Southern Knights started the game off playing some excellent football, Ben Smith, Ben Jones and Paul Martin were distributing the ball well and Matt Harrison, Stephen Maguire, Tom Salvemini and Lee White gelled in defense. Chris Bouzoudis pushed forward often, once striking a lob against the crossbar and was unlucky not to have 2 goals for Knights before half time as he, David Mooney and Chris Bradley had Brahma on the back foot on several occasions. Despite Brahma's Tony Reeves rattling the crossbar with a powerful drive, Brenton Rowe commanded his goal area when required but the teams went into the half time break at 0-0 just as the rain storm hit.
Soon after the break Brahma Lodge were awarded a free kick about 35 metres out, the free kick was hit straight at Knights goal but Brahma managed to get a head to the ball to deflect it past Brenton Rowe.
Knights fought hard with Matt Harrison powering a great stike against the crossbar, but went 0-2 down when Brahma broke through and were first to pounce after what initially was a good save from Rowe.
Andrew Alvino, Jim Stewart and Bradley Armour came on for Tom Salvemini, Lee White and Paul Martin but to no avail as Brahma finished 0-2 winners.
Not a great day with the camera trying to keep it out of the rain and poor lighting resulting in many blurred shots
Link to all 2012 Southern Knights v Brahma Lodge photos
Two shots taken by my 9 year old son Brennan of Brahma Lodge warming up whilst I was running the line for the Reserves game.
Brahma number 10 and 7 seem "relieved" to be at O'Sullivan Beach !
Two of Southern Knights new faces Chris Bouzoudis and Tom Salvemini await an incoming corner....
Southern Knights Coach (and now also player) Ben Smith on the ball watched by Andre Rickers, Andy Alvino, Bradley Armour and Jim Stewart from the sidelines.
Brahma Lodge's keeper was called on early in the first half to make some good stops.
Brahma also put young Brenton Rowe under the pump early but he handled the pressure well.
Tony Reeves almost capitalises when he got his head to the ball but Brenton Rowe was well position to nullify the attempt at goal.
Chances at both ends.
David Mooney awaits an incoming cross...............whilst ever reliable Lee White clear for Knights.
Matt Harrison keeps a close eye on Brahma's striker.
Chris Bouzoudis rues a missed opportunity.
Anguish for Chris Bouzoudis and David Mooney as the ball strikes the crossbar and falls safely to Brahma's keeper.
Brenton Rowe does well again to clear under pressure from Brahma.
Brahma offering plenty of advice to the referee in one of the game's more firey moments.
Tony Reeves misses an opportunity as he puts the ball wide of the goal from close range.
The skies opened up as the half time whistle sounded.
Brahma Lodge break the deadlock very soon after the start of the second half from a free kick.
Another chance goes begging for Knights....
Apologies for the blurred image as Matt Harrison's long range drive ricochets off the crossbar...
Amid the "chaos" Chris Bouzoudis experiences the presence of Lodge's Mark Beck.
Tony Reeves seemed to be everywhere and does enough to put off David Mooney as he rises to head goalward.
David Mooney jumps and goes close once more....and moments later almost pounces (obscured by Chris Bradley no.10) to pull a goal back for Knights.
Crowded scenes at O'Sullivan Beach.
Brenton Rowe and Stephen Maguire look on as Matt Harrison and Tony Reeves go head to head....with Reeves getting the nod.
Reserves
Southern Knights ( 0 ) Brahma Lodge ( 2 )
Similar to the A's, Southern Knights Reserves played some good football but couldn't capitalize on their opportunities and went to the break 0-0.
Paul Thompson, Perro Cokra and Sladge Bilic had several opportunities for Knights after the break.
Midway through the second half Brahma Broke through one-on-one with goalkeeper Phil Smith who did well to block, only to see the ball deflect back into the path of Brahma's striker to slot away. 10 minutes later a Brahma striker latched onto the ball 20 metres out and gave Smith little chance with a great strike and Lodge went on to win 0-2.
*A few shots taken by my 9 year old son Brennan ( his own initiative ) as I was running the line for the Reserves.
Phil Smith gathers the ball as Andre Rickers heads upfield.....Paul Thompson looks on as Brahma's keeper clears.
Steve Fulton blocks for Knights as Brahma's think tank, Andrew O'Malley and Barry Cook look on from the sidelines.
Round 1 - Southern Knights ( 2 ) MSSC Blue Eagles ( 5 )
Link to SAASL facebook group
2011 - A year In Pictures
Link to a collection of links to SAASL images and stats....
you tell him Becky!
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