Strikers Win Pre-Season Opener
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Caloundra FC
New recruit Alistair Davis delivered a brace as Brisbane Strikers kicked off their pre-season with 3-1 win over Caloundra FC on Saturday.
Strikers fell behind early at Meridan Sports Field before a goal either side of half time from Davis edged the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 Grand Finalists ahead.
Teenager Sam Ball iced the result midway through the second half to round off an influential performance as one of several younger Strikers looking to press their claims for first team football in 2016.
Caloundra opened accounts inside ten minutes when confusion in Strikers’ defences allowed Danny Bailey to scramble a cross across the line for the Sunshine Coast Premier League outfit.
Strikers were dominant in reply but the equalizer proved elusive – Ball coming closest with a shot denied by the post.
The breakthrough finally came just before the half when Davis delivered a clinical finish after his run was found by a through-ball from Ball.
The duo combined again shortly after the restart as Ball’s cross-cum-shot rebounded off the post to allow Davis to tap home his second.
However, Ball eventually settled the contest with 20 minutes remaining with a second-chance finish past former Sunshine Coast FC custodian Dale Hill in the Caloundra goalmouth.
Strikers fielded only two of their growing list of off-season recruits in the friendly hit-out, with Davis joined by former Hyundai A-League goalkeeper Seb Usai in the starting line-up.
Also starting for Strikers was triallist Shelford Dais, who played the PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland 2015 season with Brisbane Roar Youth.
Caloundra FC's team featured current Sunshine Coast FC coach Paul Arnison, who stepped down from playing duties at Fire midway through last campaign.
Match Details:
Friendly
Saturday, December 5
Meridan Sports Field, Caloundra
Caloundra FC 1 (Danny BAILEY 7’)
Brisbane Strikers FC 3 (Alistair DAVIS 43’ 47’, Sam BALL 70’)
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