Mustangs Bow Out Of The Cup At City
Brisbane City 2 (Sibatuara pen 44’, Murray 90+5’)
Mitchelton 0 Halftime: 1-0 Mitchelton failed to convert their opportunities when they presented themselves and bowed out of the Westfield FFA Cup with a 2-0 loss away to Brisbane City. Jason Park caused havoc on the left wing in the first half and it was no surprise when was taken down inside the box and Sam Sibatuara stepped up to easily convert the spot kick. The second goal arrived in time added on after ninety minutes. City broke with three on one and Antonio Murray scored from an unmissable position. Three red cards were handed out and had a major impact on the game. Mitchell Hore was the first to go and he could have no complaints having fouled Tim Lawson on his way to goal but the substitute should have scored having stayed on his feet but was unable to beat Tim Allen in goal. Both players dismissed for Mitchelton, Nick Bernardi and Jason Shade, were as the result of a second yellow card. From the start of the game, the Mustangs picked up multiple cautions through ill-discipline which ultimately cost them in the end. City dominated possession but the statistic is misleading because either side could have won the game. Ben Njie had some good chances, one hitting the post with a header; but Allen was brilliant in goal for the home side. Josh McVey and Gabriel Sarasol were unavailable for Mitchelton and their absence was noticeable. Whether the occasion got into the heads of the eleven which took to the field is arguable but they weren’t at the top of their game. But for fifteen minutes there was a feeling that if they scored they would go on and win it owing in no small part to the introduction of Lawson who changed the flow of the game but was unable to break down the City defence. On balance of play, City probably deserved the victory. For the first half an hour they spread the ball wide regularly and created plenty of space which created two one one ones with Kevin Downes in goal but he was able to deal with them confidently. It was the spectacle which was the big winner on the evening. An excellent crowd turned up, dominated by visiting supporters, which added to the intrigue of the contest. It’s back to worrying about the Flight Centre Premier League for Mitchelton but City are through to the quarter finals for the first time. A good draw would certainly help them, of course, but they will have to take their game to the next level if they are to beat the likes of Lions FC or Brisbane Strikers. FBMedia Player Of The Match: Tim Allen (Brisbane City) Two wonderful reflex saves ultimately won the game, but he looked unbeatable all evening.
Played at: Corporate Travel Management Stadium Referee: Alan Milliner
Team Line-ups:
City: Allen, Barnes, Biggins, King, Bird, Smith, Park, Pavlou, Sibatuara, Hore, Murray, Kakehi, Smith, Buckley, Clancy, Coulson. Mitchie: Downes, Bernardi, Shade, Carseldine, Stubbins, Njie, Chester, Griebsch, Yoshikoshi Mitchell, Griffin. Subs: tbc
