......................................David Mooney
Southern Knights travelled to Northbri Avenue hoping to end their "pointless" start to the 2012 season and from the kick-off it seemed that their hopes might be realised. Knights had Para Hills West chasing the ball as they played the ball around well, Ben Smith led from the midfield with support from Ben Jones and Chris Bradley. Bradley Armour and Andy Alvino, along with David Mooney formed the thrust of attack whilst Matt Harrison, Stephen Maguire, Chris Bouzoudis and Jim Stewart seemed to establish a good defensive formation in front of Brenton Rowe in goal.
Despite the visitors prowess, Para Hills West drew first blood and took an early 1-0 lead... but Knights continued to dominate on the ball and eventually a well timed strike from David Mooney found its way passed Richard Watkins in West's goal.
The sides went to the break at 1-1.
Soon after the break (as happened last week against Brahma Lodge ) Knights found themselves behind once more.
Then an undisciplined spell by Knights saw a flurry of yellow cards from referee David Kenewell, leaving the visitors with only 10 men on the park.
From that point on it was a struggle for Knights with one less option on the field and Brenton Rowe was called upon to make several good saves and Westies finishing as 4-1 victors.. As the game progressed and Wests confidencegrew, Ben Smith made a few changes bringing on Paul Martin, Leigh White and Ian Bourne but it never had quite the impact that was needed.
Unfortunately Knights made their way back to club sponsors, the Marion Hotel licking their wounds and still looking for much needed points.
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Link to all 2012 Para Hills West v Southern Knights photos
Link to SAASL facebook group - 2011 - A year In Pictures - Link to a collection of links to SAASL images and stats....
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David Mooney, Andy Alvino and Ben Smith combined well early in the game....
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A few close calls for Richard Watkins in West's goal as Knights put the home side under a little early pressure.
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Chris Bouzoudis teamed up well with Matt Harrison and Jim Stewart in defense for Knights.
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If I close my eyes then Matt Harrison can't see me.........Chris Bouzoudis wins a defensive header.
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Para Hills West forwards celebrate taking an early lead.......Stephen Maguire prepares to send in a free kick.
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Ben Jones goes close to equalising for Knights.
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Chris Bradley looks to gain control watched by David Mooney and Matt Harrison whilst Colin Mooney and a referees inspector looks on.
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Ben Smith looks on as Chris Bouzoudis takes control...
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Richard Watkins is unable to keep out a stunning David Mooney strike....1-1.
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Andy Alvino, still yet to make his mark despite some strong runs.
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With Knights playing some good football and levelling the game, Ben Smith addresses his players at half time.
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Para Hills West made it 2-1 soon after the half time interval...
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Knights start to find themselves under the pump.
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Para Hills West extend their lead to 3-1 .....
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Brento Rowe, despite the deficit, kept his cool and made several good saves.
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4-1 to Para Hills West...
Reserves
Para Hills West ( 6 ) Southern Knights ( 0 )
Southern Knights were minus captain Steve Fulton for their game at Para Hills West but Aaron O'Toole was to make his debut after overcoming a pre-season muscle tear.
The game was fairly balanced until about the 10th. minute when what appeared to be a standard corner suddenly became a penalty and subsequently a reduction down to 10 men for Southern Knights. With Knights 1-0 down on the score card and 11-10 down in personnel, the whole balance, attitude and atmosphere of the game changed and the visitors found themselves 4-0 down at half time (I think ?). In the second half Knights looked more competetive with Tom Salvemini putting in a great effort, unfortunately (or fortunately ? depending on who you support ) a good save from West's keeper denied Paul Thompson from the penalty spot. However, the home side scored twice more and finished the game 6-0 winners.
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Tom Salvemini putting in a workhorse like effort all over the park.
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Law 15 : A corner is actually a penalty
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1-0 to the home side from the "corner" spot !
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The one that got away...2-0 to Para Hills West
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AAron O'Toole making his official debut in Knights colours...
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A good save from the penalty spot denies Knights a goal...
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Tom Salvemini struggles to free his hand embedded in the turf !!!
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Goal number 6 for Para Hills West.
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Round 1 - Southern Knights ( 2 ) MSSC Blue Eagles ( 5 )
Round 2 - Southern Knights ( 0 ) Brahma Lodge ( 2 )
Round 3 - Para Hills West ( 4 ) Southern Knights ( 1 )