This was an important match for the home side as they try to consolidate their
position in the Top 6 whilst still being in with a chance of the top 2. They were
without Frank Farina who was sidelined with a knee injury and early in the game
Rod Brown had to leave after a head clash with Paul Wade.
For the Brisbane side the first half wasn't really exciting as they were continuously
being pounded by a keen Canberra outfit. The most interesting item for the half
was when an accident outside the ground caused the power to fail for about 30 minutes.
Canberra did have one chance when a tantilizing cross by Michael Musitano was met on the
volley by defender Jason Dunn, but his shot went harmlessly over the bar.
The visitors had another golden opportunity early in the second period when Tony
Lemezina tried a header from another great Musitano cross only to see it brilliantly
saved by Brisbane goal-keeper, Bolton. Then the tide turned and Brisbane started to
have some quite reasonable chances of their own.
In the 63rd minute, Jason Polak scored from a free kick just outside the box whilst in
the 81st minute Troy Cranney was on the end of a corner from Gary Phillips that was
headed on by Danny Wright.
The result was good for Brisbane and continued to highlight the real problem for
Canberra in having someone to finish off the chances that are made.
For those interested, here is a report from the UTS Olympic
v Sydney United game.