Western Knights SC 3
Wanneroo City SC 1
Written by Daniel Bodycoat
Torrential weather threatened to postpone the Round 14 clash between Wanneroo City SC and Western Knights. However, the referee decided that the conditions were satisfactory and it was Western Knights who adapted quickest and dominated the game.
Western Knights enjoyed controlling possession in the first half. They had an extremely positive start with all of the players finding plenty of space all over the pitch.
Jamie Ricks scored a truly classy goal by placing the ball into the side netting after a beautiful lobbed through ball. The goal rewarded all the midfield’s effort to dictate the game.
The lead was extended by Ricks moments later. Johny Mirco utilized his wisdom to slide him the ball just outside the box. Ricks composed himself to curl his shot past the keeper. The score was now 2-0.
The rest of the first half was relatively uneventful, although the action resumed 15 minutes into the second half. A corner wasn’t cleared and Wanneroo were able to force the ball over the line past Sam Hutchings, denying Western Knights’ clean sheet.
Paul Lloyd appeared to be back to his best as he switched the ball to Steve Purton on the wing. Purton drove down the wing before quickly whipping a cross into the box that was nearly clipped into the net by Ricks. The shot would have given Ricks his hattrick.
The last kick of the game would bring a goal for the Western Knights committee and supporters. Purton was confident enough to step up and curl a freekick into the top corner, allowing Western Knights to gain a comfortable victory of Wanneroo.
This may be a pivotal game in Western Knights’ season. With only a handful of games remaining, this victory may act as a launching pad for the Knights to pull themselves higher up the ladder.