Second Half Souths Sink Star
Souths United 2 (Omerovic 52', 53')
North Star 1 (Thompson 44')
HT 0-1
Played at Wakerley Park
Souths United took goal difference out of the equation and moved top of the table with an impressive come from behind 2-1 win over North Star at Wakerley Park on yet another perfect Saturday night for football in Brisbane.
Brad Thompson once again was best for North Star and it was his first touch and acceleration which created the best chance of the first half. One quality far post finish later and North Star were in front 1-0.
But it was the second half where the title credentials were handed out. Souths plugged up a big hole in midfield and Harun Omerovic does what he does best with two goals created on the flanks including a spectacular headed finish at the far post.
The home side were winning every challenge and dominating possession which pushed Nathan Knox over the edge and he was dismissed for a comment off the ball. Star were struggling with eleven men and the result from that point was never in doubt.
With time almost up, Brendan Young came within six inches of putting the game beyond doubt with a long range strike which somehow managed to hit both posts and not cross the goal-line. It was a shot worthy of the Flight Centre Premier League which looks increasingly more like where they will be playing next season.
North Star can only be disappointed with the loss but have too much talent not to be in the promotion race. They created enough genuine chances in the first half to beat anyone but lacked continuity when it mattered.
Next weekend North Star play Southside Eagles who are equal top on points following their 3-1 win over Moggill FC tonight. It’s a tough assignment with Souths heading up Warrigal Road for a local derby against Mt Gravatt who are struggling at the foot of the table. FB Media Player Of The Match: Mario STOJAKOVIC (Souths United)
The engine room is often ignored, but Stojakovic was a special tonight, particularly in the first half when he proved an immovable force.
Team line-ups
Souths: Vargas, Alexander, Anderson, Avdic, Gjura, Hodzic, Omerovic, Smith, Stojakovic, Velasquez-Ortiz, Young. Cantanzaro, Dunn, Purnell, Rodgers, Skehan.
North Star: Lumley, Bankersio, Brooks, Crawford, Gaffel, Knox, Maxwell, O’Brian, Riley, Thompson, West. Subs: Callaghan, Embrey, Fuller, Tanner.
FB Media Match Stats. Possession: 1st Half 53% - 47% / 2nd Half 63% - 37%
Overall Possession: 58% - 42%
Shots on target: 1 - 8
Shots off target: 7 - 8
Free kicks: 24 - 19
Offside: 2 - 3
Corners: 3 - 4 Y
ellow Cards: 1 - 3
Red Cards: 0 - 1
Referee: Jason Crow
