Brisbane Roar Youth collected a draw and remained undefeated as they went close to taking all three points from a 2-2 draw against reigning NPL Men’s Champions Lions FC on Saturday evening.
Max Mikkola scored the only goal of the first half, sending Lions into the break 1-0 up against the run of play, but an Alex Parsons double after half-time put Chris Grossman’s side into a well-earned lead.
Two minutes later, the home side hit back through a Jordan Farina header ensuring the scoreline remained a stalemate until the final whistle.
“It was a good game,” Head Coach Grossman reflected after the game. “Looking back at it now it’s frustrating we didn’t take maximum points considering we were leading 2-1 with seven minutes to go.
“We’re disappointed not to have gotten the three points, but you’re never going to knock back being offered a point against an excellent side like Lions who really pushed up at times today.”
Heavy conditions underfoot were the order of the day despite being played on one of the best surfaces in the NPL, something Grossman agreed played a role in the play.
“To be honest, yeah, I think the conditions did play a factor,” he said. “The pitch was quite good considering the amount of rain we had but the boys were ready and you never want to have mid-week fixtures on the schedule.”
With games washed out all around the region it seems likely that Brisbane will stay top of the ladder for at least a few more days.
The boys play at Perry Park next Sunday against John Kosmina’s Brisbane Strikers, with three points on the line and a chance to continue the undefeated sequence.
GOALS
Lions FC – Mikkola 26′ – 1-0
Inclement conditions cause early problems as a slip in the penalty area allows Mikkola to steal the ball and score from close range.
Brisbane Roar Youth – Parsons 65′ – 1-1
Young Roar take advantage of some broken play. Keegan Jelacic, with plenty of room to work with, slides the ball through for Parsons who crashes home the equaliser.
Brisbane Roar – Parsons 81′ – 1-2
A sweeping length of field move clears space for Jelacic to attack. His low cross is
spectacularly back-heeled in by Parsons for a goal of the season contender.
Lions FC – Farina 83′ – 2-2
Andy Thompson pumps a hopeful long ball into the box. Farina climbs highest to head home past an unlucky Nathan Foster in goal.
MATCH DETAILS
NPL 2021 Matchweek 3: Lions FC v Brisbane Roar Youth
Lions Stadium, Richlands
Saturday 20th March
Lions FC 2 (Mikkola 26′, Farina 83′)
Brisbane Roar Youth 2 (Parsons 65′, 81′)
Half-time: 1-0
Images: Capture One – Sports Media
