Thunder Comeback Twice To Draw Roar
Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Paul Smith/SWQ Thunder FC
A brace in the final ten minutes from substitute Nykodah Smith has earned SWQ Thunder a 2-2 draw with Brisbane Roar Youth at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Saturday night.
Young Roar twice took the lead in the courtesy of goals to Mitchell Hore and Patrick Theodore, but were reeled in by 16 year old Smith’s double - the first ever for Thunder in PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Senior Men’s competition.
Thunder had an early chance on ten minutes when Chris Hewson attempted an audacious long range attempt from just inside half way that sailed just wide of the post.
Hore opened the scoring on the quarter hour for the visitors, slotting home his shot after being found by Samuel Sibatuara’s cross.
Young Roar had further chances shortly after but were twice denied by Thunder goalkeeper Michael Pike to keep both Ben Litfin and Nicholas D’Agostino.
Both sides started the second half positively with Sibatuara testing Pike for Young Roar while Thomas Fanning went close at the other end for Thunder.
The hosts levelled terms with ten minutes remaining as Smith scored his first PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland goal with a clinical finish.
Smith spurned the chance to send the hosts ahead two minutes later, before Theodore restored Young Roar’s one goal advantage following good build-up work from D’Agostino.
However, Smith sent the home crowd into raptures as he powerfully headed home with two minutes remaining to steal a share of the points.
Thunder coach Chris Wilkes said he was delighted with the team’s performance following last week’s opening round defeat.
“We realise against quality opposition like the Roar they will probably have most of the possession. But we’ve got strengths as well and if we play to those strengths we are a chance.”
Young Roar coach John Sime didn’t hide his disappointment regarding his side’s performance.
“We represent Brisbane Roar and we are meant to be with the elite and we proved today that we have a little bit to go,” he concluded.
Listen to the full post-match interviews below.
SWQ Thunder FC 2 (Nykodah SMITH 80’ 88’)
Brisbane Roar FC Youth 2 (Mitchell HORE 14’, Patrick THEODORE 85’)
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