Mustangs Edge Logan In Scrappy Encounter

Mitchelton 2 (Chester 63'; Swain 72') Logan FC 1 (Greer 55')

HT 0-0

Played at: Teralba Park

Last season's meeting between these two sides was the most viewed FB Media TV game for it's physicallity and post match bebate; but it didn't live up to that in this encounter as the home side ran out narrow 2-1 winners, courtesy of a controversial second half goal in what was a less than memorable game. It's fair to say that both sides have had personnel changes since last season's bruising clash. Mitchelton in particular are a very different side to last season as they welcomed back suspended duo Nick Bernardi and Jason Shade to their line up. Logan were unchanged from last week's success over Albany Creek. The first half was quite simply forgettable with neither side mustering any clear cut opportunities. A couple of wild attempts being the sum total of efforts on goal with the home side dominating the possession stats. The game eventually sparked into life close to an hour in. Richard Greer capitalising on his own good work to put in Josh Sherwood who's shot was cleared off the line. The ball finding it's way back to the Logan skipper who fired home from 12 yards out.

Steven Chester fires high into the back of the net for Mitchelton's equaliser against Logan FC.

Their lead lasted just 8 minutes however. Fernando Bedoya bringing down Jackson Stubbins just outside the box, giving the hosts a free kick in a dangerous area. Chris Griebsch's strike dipped at last minute as Logan stopper Nick Moore attempted to gather it, instead spilling the ball before scrambling well to avoid to save at close range from Gabriel Sarasol's follow up. Unfortunately for Logan, the ball fell kindly for Steven Chester who smashed the loose ball high into the back of the net from 5 yards out. The Mustangs took the lead less than 10 minutes later in suspicious circumstances. Mitchelton substitute Chris Swain's low drive from just outside the penalty area skimmed off the firm Teralba Park surface, through a pack of bodies, including Chester who looked to be in an offside position and seemingly impeding Moore's ability to get to the ball. After consultation with his assistant, Referee Anton Shchetinin awarded the goal. It was hard to say if the ball had taken a touch from a Logan boot on it's way to goal whilst Chester avoided touching it by jumping. The final say resting with the assistant referee who had the best view. Logan pressed for an equaliser but struggled to break down a resolute Mustangs defence. Their best chance falling to substitute Phil Randall who's header from ten out was scrambled away. The result ended a run of recent successes for Coach Nick Croyden's side who were looking poised to move into the top four had they earned victory. In truth though they conceded a mammoth portion of possession to their hosts which finally told. As we move into the second half of the season, Logan will look to bounce back next week at home to an inconsistent Eastern Suburbs who's season is on the line. For the Mustangs, the three points keeps them in third spot and sets them up for an absolute blockbuster next weekend at home to second place Holland Park Hawks that will feature on FB Media TV.

FB Media Player of the Match: #15 Chris Griebsch - Mitchelton. The German midfielder was the central focal point for the Mustangs possession and forays up the field in this game. He's dipping free kick in the second half leading to his side's equaliser. Looking composed on the ball, Greibsch wasn't afraid of attempts from goal when given too much room in the final third.

Team line-ups:

Mitchelton: Downes (gk), Bernardi, Carseldine, Chester, Griebsch, Griffin, Lawson, Mitchell, Sarasol, Shade, Stubbins. Subs: Wenck (rgk), Swain, Willoughby, Yoshikoshi, Anello. Logan FC: Moore (gk), Adarkwah, Baldovi, Bedoya, Gourley, Greer, Negrioski, Kostovski, Saint, Rudken, Josh Sherwood. Subs: Blaikie (rgk), Jake Sherwood, Stollery, Randall.

FB Media Match Stats. Possession: 1st Half 62% - 38% / 2nd Half 65% - 35% Overall Possession: 64% - 36% Shots on target: 3 - 3 Shots off target: 10 - 6 Free kicks: 15 - 5 Offside: 1 - 3 Corners: 3 - 3 Yellow Cards: 0 - 1 Red Cards: 0 - 0