strikers scored both goals late in the 1st half. 1st goal followed an indecisive clearance of a corner from keeper Swancott, ball eventually falling to ex Breaker Nick Meredith who drilled a low shot from the edge of the box through a crowded box, the ball going in off the post.
Another cross (this time from the right) not long after, found an unmarked Striker (Grierson I think) to head home. Strikers had three decent opportunities all night, scored twice and, half way thru the 2nd half hit the post. Overall they seemed more determined and focussed.
Newcastle's performance was patchy - resembled the last 4/5 games last year as the Breakers - a lot of huff and puff, occasional moments of enterprise (mainly JB and Masi) but never any luck. Newcastle had some good half chances in the last 15 but the Strikers desperate defence held on, regularly putting their bodies on the line.
The attendance was great. When was the last time any soccer game in Newcastle has over 10,000? My guess would be the 1981 WYC. How many come back remains to be seen.