Western Knights 4
Dianella White Eagles SC 0
Written by Daniel Bodycoat
Western Knights faced their rival team, Dianella White Eagles, at Nash Field in Round 11 of the All Flags State League Division 1 Competition. Historically, this matchup has been memorable and the game this Saturday exceeded these expectations.
It didn’t take long for Paul Lloyd to stamp his mark on the proceedings. Within moments of the whistle being blown, he was able to capitalize on a chance and his shot glanced off the post and went in.
The only time that Dianella came even remotely closing to scoring was after a mistake from Western Knights. One such incident came after a weak back pass put Sam Hutchinson into trouble. His clearance rebounded off the incoming striker but fortuitously bounced out over the touchline.
Western Knight’s began to dominate as all the passes were hitting their targets. They were playing some of their best football.
An opportunity arose for Luka Jukic halfway through the first half. Jukic fired a shot that forced that forced a ridiculously acrobatic save from the Dianella keeper.
The second half began with a quiet period but Ben Coulter would break the silence. His late run into the box beat all of the defenders and Johny Mirco’s cross found him perfectly. Coulter’s header left the goalkeeper helpless and the goal gave Western Knights a comfortable buffer.
The Knights looked to extend their advantage as the game continued. The goal came after Mirco spun around and drove the ball low into the net. The game was all but over.
There were a number of reckless and dangerous tackles that brought about several yellow cards in the closing minutes but the game wasn’t over in Coulter’s mind as charged into the box looking to score. However, he was brought down by desperate lunge and Lloyd easily finished the penalty.
The refining of the Western Knights squad by coaches Robbie Dunn and Andy Thorburn has proven to be crucial, as the team looks unstoppable during this run of form.