Kado Aoci brace helps Capalaba Bulldogs to 3-1 triumph over Magpies Crusaders United

The Bulldogs were rarely troubled in their first ever clash against Mackay's Magpies Crusaders United, prevailing 3-1 at Wakerley Park to move to eighth in the National Premier Leagues standings.

In his first start since the season opener, where he also scored a brace, Aoci made an immediate impact by heading home the opening goal inside seven minutes.

The visitors levelled terms shortly after through Lathan Dunn, however, the Bulldogs steadied the ship prior to half time before storming home in the second stanza.

Aoci delivered his second shortly before the hour after cheekily picking off a back pass and rounding the Magpies Crusaders goalkeeper.

With the match still in the balance, substitute Ayden Cinello also pounced on a defensive error to round out the result with his first ever senior goal in the closing stages.

The visitors were not without their chances, however, goalkeeper Matt Carr again proved reliable between the sticks to keep Magpies Crusaders scoreless in the second half.

Coach David McEvoy believed his side adapted better to unique conditions of Wakerley Park's synthetic surface.

"Mackay have never really played on a synthetic pitch because they don't have one up there," he said.

"Our guys had played on it before so we had a bit of an advantage in that respect.

"I don't think either team really settled into the pace and bounce of the ball, but I am still happy to take the three points and move on to the next game."

The match was moved to the neutral Runcorn venue as the Bulldogs' John Fredericks Park home complex recovers from recent heavy rains.

The Bulldogs home patch will be back in action this Tuesday night when it plays host to the Bulldogs women's team in their rescheduled fixture against Virginia United.

The men's team will also play again on Tuesday night away from home as they tackle Tarragindi Tigers in a rescheduled FFA Cup Preliminary Round 4 clash.

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