Words: Matt Dorman
Additional Reporting: John Schiavo
Images: Albert Perez

Brisbane Strikers are two matches away from a third straight Westfield FFA Cup Final Rounds appearance after a 2-0 win over Eastern Suburbs at Heath Park.

Japanese fullback Hiroki Omori scored twice within seven second-half minutes to see off the hosts’ challenge following a scoreless first period.

Omori’s first Strikers goals move the former national champions into the final eight of Brisbane Zone qualifying as they aim to again reach the Round of 32.

Easts’ concession of their first goals this Westfield FFA Cup campaign means the Flight Centre Premier League side bows out of the competition in Preliminary Round 5 for the second straight year.

Key Moments

4’ – CHANCE FOR EASTS – Strikers' Jake Marshall clears off the line after Andrew Coyne's run and cross causes panic in Strikers' penalty area.

11’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Shelford Dais’ sharp cross is met by Fraser Hills, whose drives his volley into the ground and forces Tom Carroll to tip over his crossbar.

13’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Hills profits from Trent Clulow’s through pass but this time places his effort over the crossbar.

29’ – CHANCE FOR EASTS – Michael Ryan is unmarked at a corner but fails to make the most of his header.

50’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Hiroki Omori latches on to Jake McLean’s pass in behind and slot his finish under the onrushing Carroll.

57’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – Superb solo effort from Omori who tricks his way through several Easts defenders before unleashing a vicious left foot shot across Caroll.

58’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Dais gets in behind the Easts defence and picks out Luke Marsh, but the substitute is denied by a great reflex save from Carroll.

82’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Chris Maher plays a delightful through ball to Dais who attempts to stand up Carroll in a one-on-one, but the Easts ‘keeper guesses the right way to snuff out the chance.

What They Said

“We knew we had to be very good and that’s what we were tonight. We were a bit pedestrian up in Cairns on Saturday but tonight you could see there was a real purpose and a real zip from our wide players, both the wingers and the fullbacks.” – Kevin A'Herne-Evans, Brisbane Strikers FC goalkeeper coach.

Match Details

Westfield FFA Cup 2016 – Preliminary Round 5
Tuesday, 3 May
Heath Park, Brisbane

Eastern Suburbs FC – 0
Brisbane Strikers FC – 2 (Hiroki OMORI 50’ 57’)

CLICK HERE for the official Westfield FFA Cup Match Centre

Referee – John VASILIADIS
Assistant – Cameron FAWCETT
Assistant – Daniel OLSEN