Southern Knights (2) ISC Raptors (3)
Link to all Southern Knights v Raptors photos
I popped round the corner to watch this Sunday Division 2 encounter and hesitated writing my thoughts about the game.
Last year I witnessed the same fixture toward the end of the season ended with the same score 2-3 to Raptors, thanks to a non-goal that was awarded after passing through a hole in the side netting. Also last season both teams had a sniff at promotion but missed out in end.
As a neutral spectator I thought the attitude and behaviour of one Raptors player influenced the atmosphere of the game.
Apart from that, the game was hard fought with Southern Knights, kicking into a fairly strong Easterly wind, going a goal ahead after about 10 minutes and stretched the lead to 2-0 when a bouncing ball was misjudged by Raptors keeper.
Southern Knights deservedly lost a player for a second yellow offence but it stayed 2-0 to half time and the Referee was questioned for quite a while by Raptors Club linesman about some of his decisions.
After half time Raptors began to string together more passes and utilized the extra man to break down Knights defence and scored 2 reasonable quick goals to level the score at 2-2.
Knights had their opportunities to regain the lead and very rarely looked to be a man down, but Raptors pounced on the counter attack and took the lead 2-3.
I thought neither team deserved to come away from the game without a point and a draw would have been a fair result.
Although there was a little aggro between the two sides it was good to see a few of the Raptors pop into the Clubrooms for a drink and a bit of a chat.
I somehow think that Knights and Raptors will be up against each other again next season ?
The game was played in cold but fairly good conditions considering the rainfall but the stong breeze had many Raptors overkicking the ball.
Both Raptors and Knights showed some good touches and build ups, but the final ball was letting then down.
Southern Knights hit the front quite early with a break away goal !
Things are not going to plan for Raptors as they concede a "soft" goal ...2-0 to Knights.
Questioning looks all around, is nothing sacred ? Then it's back into as Raptors try to reply !
The referee tries to hypnotize Knights and Raptors with his ball balancing skills !
It was end to end football for much of the early part of the game !
A golden opportunity to pull one back goes begging for Raptors.
Southern Knights also fail to grab their opportunities.
Words start to be exchanged due the the strong tackling and hard fought nature of the encounter.
Questions are asked of the referee as number 10 checks that his deodorant is still working !
There were strong contests all over the park.
After being reduced to 10 men Knights held on well and fought hard to maintain their lead !
Raptors started to pressure Knights goal but some good keeping kept them at bay !
The two club linesmen compare notes at half time and agree to disagree !
Raptors hit back quickly after the half time interval and Knights player watch on as the ball hits the back of the net 2-1
Unlike this picture, Raptors seem more focussed after half time (and a man up) and draw level 2-2 !
I'm not certain but I believe this is goal number 3 on its way and Raptors take the lead 2-3 !
Southern Knights feel a bit dirty that they didn't get a point out of the game ?
