Hopefully the competition for places will lift player determination on the park and training efforts.
Ins for 2012 (12) - Chris Bouzoudis (Port Pirie/Cobras), Ian Bourne (Panthers), Dave Stewart (Panthers), Jim Stewart (Panthers), Tom Salvemini (Panthers), Aaron O'Toole (UK), Brenton Rowe (Panthers ) Ben Smith (Panthers), Caleb Butler (Panthers Juniors), Andrew Alvino (Noarlunga), Sladjan Bilic (White Eagles), Perro Cokara ( Southern Knights returning)
Remaining from 2011 (21) - Stephen Maguire, Paul Martin, Ben Jones, Chris Bradley, David Mooney, Matthew Harrison, Lee White, Alex Field, Ben Vidgeon, Justin Moule, Anthony Michael, Phil Smith, Richard Finlayson, Luke Gustini, Dustin McMahon, Paul Thompson, Tony Harrison, John Johnson, Sam Jones, Andre Rickers and myself
Outs from 2011 (24) - Lyndon Parry (Coaching Noarlunga), Jeff Ellis (Assistant Coaching Noarlunga), Sasha Lovric (ret.) Edid Skrijelj (Bosna), Richard Kemp (The Cove), Matt Daughtry (Ski fields), Steve Ling (Noarlunga United & Emu), Eddie Acosta (Northern Pitbulls), Mick Paay (Masters), Boyd Lewis (injured) Pedro Dantas (France) , Dan Roper (?), Hugo Paloc (France), Glen Crute (Noarlunga), Jason Rusk (?), Leigh Harrison (?), Sam Ferguson (?), Ben Slater (OS), Lewis Evans (?), Miguel Sa (?), Anthony Rideout (?) Scott Bradley (?) Bradley Armour (?), Mark Franklin (UK & Emu)
Southern Knights ( 2 ) MSSC Blue Eagles ( 5 )
Chris Bradley 2 ......................Milad Sultani 2, Aaron Wood, Christopher Carlin, Gianluca Lagati
Southern Knights got off to a good start and were leading 2-1 at one stage with 2 goals from Chris Bradley, one direct from a corner...but in the end it came down to taking your chances, a few more stronger bodies, a brilliant strike from Gianluca Lagati and overall, a little extra fitness.
Disappointing for Knights, Eagles deserved to win but I personally though the scoreline flattered the Eagles.
Lot of new players for Knights finding their feet and they will improve with familiarity. Young Brenton Rowe debut in goals and made several good saves. Others making their debut for Knights were Andrew Alvino, Jim Stewart, Ian Bourne, Chris Bouzoudis and Ben Smith.
Disappointing for Knights as many good passing moves seemingly broke down due to misunderstandings, Eagles deserved to win but I personally though the scoreline flattered the Eagles a little.
First up shots for the 2012 season...was a bit distracted throughout the game so I didn't get too many good photos.
PS.....forget to let the MSSC Blue Eagles teams and supporters know we sold beer and food in the Club rooms after the game.
Link to all 2012 Southern Knights v MSSC Blue Eagles photos
Ian Bourne and Andrew Alvino (9) kick off the season for Southern Knights.
Southern Knights goal under pressure....
Brenton Rowe gathers the ball after a good save for Knights.
Chris Bradley demonstrates the aerial step-over.......................whilst Ben Smith points out to all what an amazing step-over it was
David Mooney, Stephen Maguire, Ben Jones and Lee White head forward as Knights clear their lines...
Matty Harrison, sole remaining first team member of Knights first season squad in 1995 (18 years on), shows his customary strength and determination in the air.
Brenton Rowe with another clearance under pressure....mainly from MMSC Blue Eagles long throw in set pieces that will test many teams.
And one that got away...
A somewhat jubilant Blue Eagles player after puttin the visitors into the lead !
Chris Bouzoudis (2) puts Blue Eagles keeper under pressure....
2-4 to the Blue Eagles despite Brenton Rowe's efforts................soon after a brilliant long range strike from Gianluca Lagati made it 2-5 ...
Stephen Maguire and Ben Smith stand over a free kick hoping to get something back for Southern Knights.
Headed off the line.....not to be
Surrounded......
Reserves
Southern Knights ( 1 ) MSSC Blue Eagles ( 0 )
Paul Thompson
Southern Knights had one of their stronger sides for many seasons with competition for places giving coach Richard Finlayson some difficult pre-game choices...as with the A's, several players making their debut (or return) for Knights...Tom Salvemini, Dave Stewart, Sladjan Bilic and Perro Cokara (Perro's first SAASL game since breaking his leg against Modbury Vista in 2002). Knights should have buried MSSC Blue Eagles in the first half when they squandered many chances. In the end, a single first half goal from Paul Thompson was all that separated the two sides.
Paul "Thommo" Thompson celebrates after giving Southern Knights and early lead over Blue Eagles.
Steve Fulton, Paul Martin and Anthony Micheal look to regain the ball in midfield as Blue Eagles move forward.
Lots of onlookers as Blue Eagles threaten Knights goal.
Blue Eagles rehearsing for Dancing With The Stars......
Club Referee, Southern Knights founder and 2001 SAASL Meritorious Service recipient, Colin Mooney keeps a close eye as Dave Stewart challenges for the ball.
Full house.....
Phil Smith hurting !
Justin Moule ran all day and was one of Knights best all day !
Anthony Micheal cause Blue Eagles problems for most of the game.
Hopefully the first of many post-game celebrations for Southern Knights.
2011 - A year In Pictures
Link to a collection of links to SAASL images and stats.... Link to SAASL facebook group
