MATCH WRAP
Olympic handed Peninsula Power their first defeat of the 2021 NPL Queensland season, coming away with a 1-0 win at AJ Kelly Park on Saturday evening.
A first half Daniel Leck goal proved decisive, with the Olympic number 7 finishing from close range for what was his 16th goal of the season after Power keeper, Phil Zabaks could on parry Jez Lofthouse’s initial effort following some slick build up from the visitors.
Earlier in the match Zabaks denied Leck from the penalty spot after the Olympic attacker was fouled inside the penalty area by Michael McGowan.
Olympic were reduced to 10 men in the 71st minute when substitute, Alex Barlow was sent off for a rash challenge on Hayden McHenery.
Both sides came close following the red card with Luke Plummer & Leck hitting the crossbar in closing stages of the match.
Despite their numerical disadvantage Olympic held firm to keep their seventh clean sheet of the season and take all three points at AJ Kelly Park.
Saturday’s result means Olympic will finish the weekend in third position
GOAL
Olympic – Leck 25’ – 0-1
Daniel Leck turns the ball home from close range after Zabaks could only parry Lofthouse’s initial effort.
REACTION
“What they’ve (Power) achieved this season is incredible, 14 straight wins. So it was always going to be a tough game, they’ve built momentum and a habit of winning so we’re obviously delighted to come away with three points.
We drew a lot of confidence from the two games against them this season. We felt like we were unfortunate in both games, both came down to very fine margins and it was no different today, thankfully in our favour this time.
A lot of the boys stood up today, we started really well and could have been two or three up but we also had to absorb a lot of pressure, especially once we’d gone down to 10 so I’m really proud of how we hung on.
Really good signs going forward early and superb defensively to see it out. It’s a quick turn around, so we’ll recover well and make sure we’re fresh and ready for Gold Coast on Tuesday.”
Ben Cahn – Head coach
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Queensland 2021 – Round 17: Peninsula Power v Olympic FC
AJ Kelly Park, Redcliffe
Saturday, 17 July
Peninsula Power FC – 0
Olympic FC – 1 (Daniel LECK 25’)
NEXT MATCH
Olympic now face a short turn around, making the trip to face Gold Coast United at Coplicks Sports Park in rescheduled NPL Queensland Round 14 action on Tuesday night (7:30pm KO).
Olympic will look to make it three wins from three for the 2021 season against United on Tuesday night, having prevailed 1-0 in the reverse fixture at Goodwin Park in Round One while also overcoming United 3-1 in the FFA Cup at Coplicks in April.
United currently sit in eleventh position on the NPL Queensland league table.
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Queensland 2021 – Round 14:Gold Coast United v Olympic FC
Coplicks Sports Park
Tuesday, 20 July
Kick-off: 7:30pm