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The Rockhampton based Cougars were unable to match their capital city opponent’s quick movement and one touch passing, with only Brisbane’s poor finishing preventing a much wider margin.
Former A-League player Jonti Richter proved a worthy man of the match upon his return from injury, setting up two goals for the home side in an energetic display.
The ex-Roar man was involved in nearly everything the Strikers created during his 70 minutes on the pitch, with Capricorn’s defenders unable to combat his blistering pace and deft touch down the right wing.
It was Chay Hews though who opened the scoring for Brisbane in the 9th minute, his searing strike from 20 yards, courtesy of a incisive Matt Thurtell pass, leaving Capricorn goalkeeper Tim English no chance of a save.
However, the scores were quickly levelled against the run of play when Sander Waterland, Capricorn’s only stand out on the night, capped off a swift Cougar’s counter-attack, finishing neatly on 12 minutes.
It was to be only a brief glimmer of hope for Capricorn who never truly settled against a high-pressing Brisbane defence that saw the home side regularly regain possession in the Cougar’s half.
It seemed only a matter of time before Brisbane restored their lead, and on 18 minutes Thurtell did just that, completing the simplest of finishes after Richter, who had spurned two previous chances himself, drew out the keeper and turned provider for the prolific striker.
Thurtell then added another ten minutes later, his 10th goal in five games this season, after former Fury fullback Lorenzo Sipi combined with Richter down the right.
Sippi’s low cross was straight to the feet of the heavily-marked Thurtell, who controlled well before unleashing a low shot that keeper English bizarrely fumbled into his own net, summing up the visitor’s night.
Capricorn were then restricted to sporadic counter-attacks and speculative long-range efforts for the rest of the half, subsequently going in at the break behind 3-1.
The Cougar’s fullbacks pushed into a more attacking role for the second 45 minutes, and while it provided a brief flourish, Michael Cay having two chances in quick succession, it also left Richter dangerously unmarked.
On 58 minutes the winger once again made good on his penetrating runs, cutting a low ball back for a rampaging Josh Searle who drove home the Strikers’ fourth.
With the result beyond doubt and the Brisbane team outplaying their opponent in all facets, the small but vocal crowd were only left to ponder how wide the margin would be.
Thurtell went in search of his hat trick but was unable to find the target on a half-dozen occasions, including a gilt-edged chance on 86 minutes when he found himself one-on-one with the keeper.
More wayward Brisbane finishing, including four misses in injury time, saved Capricorn further embarrassment in what was a disappointing display for the visitors who fancy themselves as finals contenders.
They will look to regroup for their next match at home to Queensland Academy of Sport while Brisbane will seek to maintain their momentum as they travel to Bundaberg next week.