Unfortunate Bulldogs Settle For Draw

Capalaba 1 (Fellows 54’)

Mitchelton 1 (Njie 14’) HT 0-1

Played at John Fredricks Park

Capalaba will be kicking themselves for not taking all three points from second-placed Mitchelton after failing to create enough meaningful opportunities despite dominating possession on their way to a 1-1 draw in the Sunday afternoon game at John Fredricks Park. Mitchelton opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Ben Njie who was in the right place at the right time to take advantage of a defensive mix-up, but it was a thoroughly deserved reflection of his industrious play up to that point. Nine minutes after the break, Sam Fellows breached the Mustangs defence with a tidy finish which flew in off the underside of the crossbar after Ahamad Azzawi finally produced the accurate cross which had repeatedly eluded the Bulldogs. Azzawi is no secret anymore and, whether through tactical design or natural ability, has two defensive midfielders in tow everywhere he goes. But Capalaba have plenty of other attacking talent. Ollie Smith and Sam Fellows took advantage of a little bit more space afforded them, continually making entries into the penalty area but were unable to do enough create a vital assist. Capalaba were the better side but it was also obvious they couldn’t find the cutting edge in the front third that their all round play deserved and looked a little gun shy at times, refusing to pull the trigger until the last moment. Somehow Mitchelton came out ahead on shots for the afternoon although at least two went high and mighty over the crossbar and three arrived in a flurry on the end of counter attacks late in the contest. Twice though, they looked certain to score against the run of play and both times Sam Chandler came up with brilliant saves. He’s been under-rated this season and was terrific when called into action. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how much you dominate, it’s all about finding the net. The Mustangs’ back four held firm when it mattered which can take them a long way towards silverware later down the track. Equally as important is the loss of Njie to injury because the way they set up is integrated with his presence. It’s hard to believe Capalaba drop to eighth on that result because they are capable of playing some nifty high-temp football but, three points outside of the top four, the loss to North Pine in round one continues to haunt them. Capalaba have Peninsula next which of presents another healthy challenge but it would be significant, and vital, if they were to come through both these games without losing and four points would be even better. Despite their shortcomings today, Mitchelton are still favourites to finish second behind Lions with their current two point gap over Rochedale Rovers in third place. Next weekend they take a break for catch-up weekend and the pressure will be off for a while because anything less than a win over UQFC at Teralba Park in round seventeen would be a major upset. FB Media Player Of The Match: Jason SHADE (Mitchelton)

The Bulldogs knocked and knocked on the door all evening but Shade refused to let them in. Countless forays into the area were undone by great positioning and good old-fashion tackling from the Mustangs number five. Team line-ups Capalaba: Chandler, Thompson, Fisher, Roby, Fields, Dunn, Coulson, Watt, Azzawi, Fellows, Smith. Subs: Hirayama, Tuyishime, Newell, McAllister, Jones.

Mitchelton: Downes, Wilson, Bernardi, Shade, Willoughby, Yoshikoshi, Griebsch, Kleibo, Griffin, Swain, Njie. Subs: Miller, Lloyd, Gifford, Suggett, Wenck. FB Media Match Stats. Possession: 1st Half 50% - 50% / 2nd Half 47% - 53% Overall Possession: 49% - 51% Shots on target: 2 - 8 Shots off target: 2 - 5