Link to all Adelaide Vikings v Southern Knights photographs
Southern Knights, minus leading goal scorer David Mooney (due to family illness) travelled to Findon to meet with Division 2 League leaders Adelaide Vikings.
The game started at a fast tempo with both teams matching each other for skill and pace in most areas.
Shortly before half time a momentary lack of discipline saw the dismissal of a key Knights central defender. Down to 10 men Knights reorganised and soaked up some of immediate pressure to see themselves through to half time with the game locked at 0-0.
After the break Vikings used their extra player to stretch the visitors but within 10 minutes Knights Benny Jones gave his side a 0-1 lead.
As the game progressed Vikings found room in midfield enabling them to keep Knights on the back foot and eventually they broke through to level the game at 1-1.
Not sure what came next, a second goal from Vikings or a second send off for Knights. Knights however lost a second key defender and /or, conceded a second goal to give Vikings a 2-1 lead.
From then on it was difficult for Knights to drag themselves back into the game and Vikings used their numerical advantage to stretch the undermanned Knights and finish 4-1 winners.
Knights succumbed to their own lack of discipline as Vikings never really took control of the game until they outnumbered their visitors.
For many teams the Division 2 battle for promotion is far from over…….as is the battle to stave off relegation…..
An early Vikings attack is thwarted by Sandy Neary on the goal line.
Meanwhile at the other end Vikings keeper does well to keep their southern visitors at bay.
Another good grab from Vikings keeper.
Vikings soak up further pressure then turn it around to place Knights under pressure.
The somewhat narrow pitch led to a congested midfield battle.
Knights Matt Daughtry and Matty Harrison try to close down Vikings.
Vikings fail to capitalize on a free kick from the edge of the box.
Mark Kay gathers the ball in neatly to halt the advancing Vikings.
The visiting spectators sheild their eyes as Knights advance on Vikings goal.
Sandy Neary (3) looks on as Mark Kay once again smothers a Viking attack with Lee White backing up.
Reduced to 10 players Knights reorganized defence hold Vikings to 0-0 at half time.
After the half time break Vikings had Southern Knights stretched and outmanned.
Against the odds Knights captain Benny Jones puts the visitor in front 0-1.
Vikings celebrate levelling the score at 1-1.
Now with 2 extra men Vikings stretch Southern Knights resourcefulness to the limit.
The league leaders celebrate taking the lead 2-1.
( Sensing the inevitable I retired my camera and Vikings went on to secure a 4-1 win.)
Reserves -Adelaide Vikings ( 2 ) Southern Knights ( 2 )
Sunday Division 2 Reserve League leaders Adelaide Vikings took on bottom placed Southern Knights who were hoping to avenge a 1-6 loss inflicted on them by Vikings in round 1.
From the onset Knights looked to have the measure of the home side but midway through the first half Vikings broke through and following a delayed stand off, managed to slot the ball past Knights "out of touch" keeper.
To their credit Knights regrouped and made it the half time break just the one goal down.
After the break the visitors soaked up the pressure and eventually Richard Kemp was able to put Knights back on level terms at 1-1.
Can’t remember who scored the second goal for Knights with about 10 minutes to go but the League leaders found themselves down 1-2.
After a series of corners Vikings were able to salvage a point from a heading challenge in the area that was judged to be a foul, a penalty was awarded and converted 2-2.
The hunter becomes the hunted, somewhat unprepared, no proper top, borrowed gloves, my first game since 1995 !
Newly signed Richard Kemp watches as Jamie "Crouch" Thompson receives close attention.
Nearly got off the ground, the mind was willing but the body willing me not to !
Unaware of the linesman's raised flag Vikings keeper makes a telling stop from Sam Jones.
A series of Vikings corners were well handled by Southern Knights with "Crouchy" dropping back.
Vikings number 33 about to receive the ball for the opening goal of the game.
Paul Uzzel, watched by Leigh Harrison, fires a shot in as Knights try to find an equaliser.
Ouch !
Knights push forward just before half time but are unable to make it count.
Southern Knights have renewed enthusiasm after the half time interval and test out Vikings defence.
Richard Kemp celebrates goal on debut to level the game at 1-1. Soon after Knights take the lead at 1-2.
Mark Franklin clears from a corner in a congested Knights area. At the other end, At 2-2, Southern Knight look to put themselves back in front after conceding a penalty.
I'd like to thank Matty Harrison, Colin Macpherson and anyone else who took on the role of photographer
whilst I was otherwise distracted !
Previous pictorial reports…
Round 9 - Modbury Vista ( 1 ) Southern Knights ( 2 )
Cup Round 3 - Southern Knights ( 3 ) San Marco ( 1 )
Round 8 - Southern Knights ( 4 ) Para Hills East ( 2 )
Round 7 - Elizabeth Grove ( 2 ) Southern Knights ( 3 )
Round 6 - Southern Knights ( 3 ) West Beach ( 4 )
Cup Round 2 -Southern Knights ( 7 ) Adelaide Monarchs ( 0 )
Round 5 - ISC Raptors ( 2 ) Southern Knights ( 2 )
Round 4 - Southern Knights ( 2 ) Munno Para ( 5 )
Round 3 - San Marco ( 1 ) Southern Knights ( 0 )
Round 2 - Tea Tree Gully ( 1 ) Southern Knights ( 1 )
Round 1 - Southern Knights ( 2 ) Adelaide Vikings ( 2 )
