Para Hills West made the long journey to O'Sullivan Beach to play Southern Knights worthwhile taking all 3 points in the A grade and sharing the points in the Reserves fixture.
West coach Brad French included veterans, former team mate (at Para Hills East) Richard Watkins in goal, Michael Iacovino and Danny Howat in his lineup.
The game was finely balanced for most of the 90 minutes but Para Hills West made the best of a ricochet challenge that fell their way early in the first half and the ball was calmly slotted passed Ben Vidgeon in the Knights goal. Bradley Armour started his second game for the home side and worked with Steve Maguire and Ben Jones in the middle of the park. Anthony Rideout had a strong game but was a lone figure up front for Knights.
Matt Harrison returned to defence and combined well with Lee White, Paul Martin and Alex Field to keep out West's Shaun Plunkett and Michael Iacovino.
The towering figure of Richard Watkins, who initially looked a little nervous, in goal for West became Southern Knights nemesis making several great saves from Bradley Armour and Steve Maguire. Chris and Scott Bradley who can often be gam-changers, both had unusually low impact on the game.
Knights coach Ben Smith introduced Glen Crute into the game late in the second half and he nearly made an impact with a strong run forward only to be upended. Once again, Richard Watkins was at hand to save the resultant free kick from Steve Maguire.
The loss of 3 points for Knights lowers them into the relegation zone and the 3 points gained for West helps their quest to avoid relegation in 2011.
Thanks to all the West boys and ladies that came in for a few beverages after the game.
Big Cup game this weekend away against St. Peters (who seem to be hitting some form) on Saturday....third Saturday team in a row for Knights ! Hopefully David Mooney's return (after missing 2 weeks) might be the catalyst for a Knights resurgence..
Link to all Southern Knights v Para Hills West photos
Interesting to see 2 of Para Hills West's 1992 Division 6 winning team out on the park against Southern Knights on the weekend.
Danny Howat and 1992 Captain Michael Iacovino...well in lads...good to see Danny Howat Snr at the game too !
Anthony Rideout tries to shake off 3 West defenders and the referee....
Ben Jones looks toward Bradley Armour, regaining his touch with each minute he plays for Knights.
Referee Steve, demonstrates how he would throw in the ball for a rugby lineup !
Who fancies a few beers after the game lads ?
Body language....says it all ! Para Hills West take an early lead.
Scott Bradley looks on as Alex Field wins the ball.........West clear the ball to safety.
Excuse the poor photo (blur)..but Anthony Rideout almost finds a way passed Richard Watkins...
Come here....the referee beckons................Richard Watkins makes light work of a Bradley Armour free kick..
Richard Watkins under the pump...first from Anthony Rideout and then from Matt Harrison...Watkins emerges pumped !
The Howats in tandem help clear the West's lines.....Bradley Armour, Paul Martin and Steve Maguire (obscured) stand over a free kick.
Watkins makes another telling save.......he was telling everyone about it after the game
Alex Field tries to shut out West's Shaun Plunkett.
Paul Martin tries to close down Michael Iacovino..........whilst RW contemplates another corner.
Knights substitute Steve Fulton and coach Ben Smith in a lighter moment... then the rain came..
Glen Crute clears the ball and then makes a run forward resulting in a free kick on the edge of West's area.
Another excellent save from Richard Watkins...AGAIN !!!!
The B.O.G. man Richard Watkins......well played youngster
Reserves
Southern Knights ( 2 ) Para Hills West ( 2 )
Paul Thompson, T.O.G.
A good performance from Knights Reserves fielding a stronger side than they were able to put on the park away at Inter the previous week.
With the competition hotting up for positions and improved training attendances, hopefully Knights will push a few more teams all the way.
Paul Thompson and Dustin McMahon now have formed a useful attacking combination for Knights who have been bolstered by the arrival of visiting backpackers Hugo Paloc and Pedro Dantas from France.
Ben Vidgeon has been outstanding at the back for Knights and goalkeeper Phil Smith is improving with each game.
With several strong defenders on the outer...things will hopefully get better.
Hugo Paloc congratulates constantly improving Paul Thompson after he slots away his 9th goal for 2011. (even scored one with his head.)
Dustin McMahon, hot on Paul Thompson's heels with 7 goals for 2011...as Hugo Paloc and Ben Vidgeon chase back..
Phil Smith had a great game for Knights and looks on as West go close to scoring.
Another close moment for Para Hills West....
Player/Coach Andre Rickers and Pedro Dantas in a moment of concentration for Knights defense.
Ben "Touch" Vidgeon (6) covered a lot of ground and was solid at the back for Knights.
Knights European imports - the French Connection of Pedro Dantas and Hugo Paloc
A's coach Ben Smith and Jeff Ellis look on thoughtfully.....Ellis, Smith & ( where's Jones ?)
Awaiting the incoming ball !
Para Hills West celebrate their goal...
Jason Rusk leads the charge out for Knights.., who introduced Sacha "Mr.Love" Lovric and Luke Gustini in the second half.
This might have been Knights second goal courtesy of an own goal ?
Pedro Dantas clears as Phil Smith, Sacha Lovric and Andre Rickers look on....
Links to previous 2011 pictorial reports..
Round 12 - Southern Knights ( 0 ) Para Hills West ( 1 )
Round 11 - Salisbury Inter ( 9 ) Southern Knights ( 1 )
Round 10 - Southern Knights ( 3 ) Beograd ( 2 )
Round 9 - Southern Knights ( 2 ) ISC Raptors ( 2 )
Round 8 - Macedonia United ( 6 ) Southern Knights ( 0 )
Round 7 - Southern Knights ( 1 ) Modbury Vista ( 2 )
Round 6 - Adelaide Vikings ( 1 ) Southern Knights ( 5 )
Round 5 - Southern Knights ( 8 ) Bosna Adelaide ( 1 )
Round 4 - Southern Knights ( 1 ) Brahma Lodge ( 1 )
Round 3 - Para Hills West ( 2 ) Southern Knights ( 3 )
Round 2 - Southern Knights ( 1 ) Salisbury Inter ( 2 )
Round 1 - Beograd ( 5 ) Southern Knights ( 2 )
Cup Round 2 -Parafield Gardens ( 2 ) Old Ignatians ( 0 )
Cup Round 2 -Adelaide Comets ( 1 ) Southern Knights ( 3 )
Cup Round 1 -Southern Knights ( 8 ) Modbury Jets ( 6 ) after extra time & penalties
Res. Cup Round 2 -Elizabeth Downs ( 3 ) Sturt Marion ( 0 )
Over 35's - Elizabeth Downs ( 1 ) Para Hills West ( 4 )
