NQU shows grit but City’s class prevails

AFTER holding out Brisbane City FC for a full 45 minutes, North Queensland was dealt a “kick in the teeth” when handed its fifth consecutive loss.

Brisbane controlled the majority of the ball in the Round 11 Queensland NPL clash but NQU staved off a number of shots and was able to build pressure of its own in the first half.

But the second half was a different story after Brisbane scored quickly to break the goalless deadlock in what would be a 4- 0 thrashing in front of a home crowd at Brolga Park.

“We just couldn’t control the ball at all, couldn’t get control, couldn’t make the passes or get touches,” NQU coach Michael Brooks said.

“When you give a team like that that much ball without long sustained pressure you’ll give in eventually.

“Second half, we just could not match their skill, quality and intensity.”

Brooks said Brisbane deserved the win after his side dropped their heads and were left frustrated as the effects of low morale crept in.

“They deserved at least three I’d say by the time the second half was done, four was probably a bit of a kick in the teeth,” he said.

But I can’t say they didn’t deserve at least three at the end of the day because we gave them that much ball and so many chances.

Brisbane City coach – and former Socceroo striker – John Kosmina said the win was relief after overcoming a losing streak of its own.

“I was happy to come back after last week because we got touched up ( 3- 1) by Olympic last Saturday, it’s good for the boys psychologically,” Kosmina said.

He added that Brisbane looked the fitter side as it took control in the second half.

“Second half, we played a bit better and more creative,” he said.

It will not get any easier for NQU this weekend when it goes up against the fourth- placed Brisbane Strikers in Brisbane.

Brooks said NQU needed to try to stay together and work hard for each other to recover from its “downward spiral”.

Brooks said he was confident of seeing United put in a solid performance in their next FFA Cup round clash against MA Olympic on May 2.

Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS STRUGGLE: NQ United's Jarrod Green competes with Brisbane City FC’s Nathan Bird for possession during yesterday’s NPL game at Brolga Park.