Words: Matt Dorman
Images: Paul Smith

Two Bruno Fornaroli penalties have denied Brisbane Strikers a Westfield FFA Cup upset as Melbourne City recovered from a goal down to win 2-1 at Perry Park on Wednesday night.

Strikers secured a shock early lead when Greig Henslee bundled home a Hiroki Omori free-kick before Fornaroli struck either side of half-time to end the hosts' run at the Round of 16.

City goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen twice denied the hosts in the opening half-hour before Henslee pounced for the opener in the 34th minute.

The rugged defender quickly turned villain though, bringing down Nick Fitzgerald in the area for Fornaroli to equalise before the break.

City coach John van’t Schip called on Caltex Socceroos legend Tim Cahill with around half an hour to play but it was Fornaroli who proved to be the difference as he dispatched the winner from the spot inside the final 15 minutes.

Key Moments

18’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Hiroki Omori is found in behind with a perfect quick free-kick forward but Thomas Sorensen rushes out to smother the one-on-one.

21’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Michael Weier does well to get down low and tip Nick Fitzgerald’s angled effort around the post.

26’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Rhys Meredith is released through on goal but the retreating City defenders narrow the angle and Sorensen beats his shot away from the near post.

34’ – GOAL FOR STRIKERS – After Meredith wins a free-kick, Omori perfectly whips the delivery between defence and goalkeeper for Henslee to side-foot home on the volley.

37’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Goalscorer Henslee chops Fitzgerald down in the area, allowing Bruno Fornaroli to stroke in the equaliser from the spot.

72’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Meredith drives to the byline but his effort flies across the face of goal from a tight angle.

75’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Cahill skips away from a defender but dallies in the area and can’t wriggle away from teenage defender Jake Marshall.

77’ – GOAL FOR CITY – Bruce Kamau draws a rash challenge from Marshall and Fornaroli steps up to lash home his second penalty.

85’ – CHANCE FOR CITY – Fornaroli has the chance to seal it from close-range but Weier and the Strikers defence scramble the ball wide.

90+3’ – CHANCE FOR STRIKERS – Fraser Hills looks to pick out the far corner but can only bend his effort into the arms of Sorensen.

What They Said

“I think maybe in the first-half we had a couple of extra chances (we didn't make the most of). But we're grounded and know Melbourne City are a good side with good players. I can't be prouder of the boys.” – Michael Angus, Brisbane Strikers captain.

“It's a big moment for them (Strikers) and they can be proud of what they achieved.” – Tim Cahill, Melbourne City star.

Match Details

Westfield FFA Cup 2016 – Round of 16

Wednesday, 24 August
Perry Park, Brisbane

Brisbane Strikers FC – 1 (Greig HENSLEE 34’)
Melbourne City FC – 2 (Bruno FORNAROLI p.37’, p.77')

Attendance – 3,571

Match Centre – http://bit.ly/2beFlrx

Match Officials – Peter GREEN (referee), David WALSH (assistant), Anton SHCHETININ (assistant), Jarred GILLETT (fourth)