Brisbane City edge out SWQ Thunder in FQPL showdown

A well-drilled Brisbane City were too good for the SWQ Thunder

DENIED: Thunder keeper Jace Hudson saves a City shot. Picture: Nev Madsen.

FOOTBALL: If not for a gallant defensive effort, Sunday’s loss could’ve been a lot worse for the SWQ Thunder.

Last season’s FQPL golden boot winner, Yuta Hirayama, scored in the 32nd minute to secure Brisbane City’s 1-0 win.

Kye Bolton’s cross initially found Hirayama whose close range shot hit the upright. Thunder keeper Jace Hudson then tipped Brandon Reeves’ follow up onto the crossbar before Hirayama headed home from close range.

“It’s the busiest I’ve been in a game for a long time,” Hudson said.

“I thought we started well, but once they settled in they put the pressure on us.

“Hirayama was a bit of handful upfront then.

“I think we were unlucky not to come away with something though, we pressed them toward the end but didn’t finish off our chances.”

Working against the Thunder was a City pairing with more than 200 games of A-League experience.

Toowoomba junior Daniel Bowles wore the captain’s armband for City alongside his former Brisbane Roar teammate Matt Smith.

The Thunder’s best chance fell to midfielder Veco Serugo in the 77th minute.

Unmarked on the edge of the 18-yard box, Serugo’s volley off a poor clearance drew a diving save out of City keeper Duro Dragicevic.