David Mooney
Southern Knights displayed some promising signs against Division 2 front runners West Beach but still failed to register their first points for the 2012 season.
The home side were left to rue the chances they had to put themselves well ahead in the opening stages, despite taking an early lead courtesy of an excellent
headed goal from David Mooney.
Starting without Matt Harrison and Brenton Rowe (both injured) Knights lined up with Jimmy Stewart, Ben Vidgeon, Lee White and Robert Marsden who defended well in front of late step in keeper
Stephen Maguire... just returned from a family holiday in Maylasian and a full game with Knights Reserves.
Ben Smith, Ben Jones, David Mooney and Chris Bradley were working well with Andrew Alvino and Scott Bradley up front.
Somewhat against the run of the game West Beach were able to equalise when they pounced on a headed clearance from Stephen Maguire giving him little time to recover his ground to keep the ball from reaching Knights net.
Knights had several more chances leading to the half time break with some fine probing runs from Ben Smith and Andrew Alvino.
After the break and the loss of Ben Smith and Ben Vidgeon ( replaced by Paul Martin and Tom Salvemini), West Beach were able to work themselves back into the game with Stephen Maguire making some superb stops.
However, with about 20 minutes to go Beach eventually broke through and took the lead 1-2.
Knights introduced Stuart Blyth for Lee White but were unable to salvage any points from the game.....
It was nice to catch up with West Beach club stalwart and former SAASL Committee member Peter Beesley still out supporting his team.
( if Peter is reading this my contact numbers are 83827689 or 0415874551 )...
Link to all Southern Knights v West Beach photos
.... 
Knights started on the front foot and tested Maurice Hewson in West Beach's goal early with incoming crosses.
David Mooney heads Knights to an early 1-0 lead.
... 
David Mooney goes very close to doubling Knights lead....whilst Maylasian import Steve Maguire was a late call up to keep for Knights.
Player coach Ben Smith urges on his team flanked by Jimmy Stewart, Robert Marsden and Lee White.
.... 
.... 
Another close call for Knights without a scoreline change.
Jimmy Stewart on the ball, rekindling more of his abilities with each game.
.... 
.... 
Stephen Maguire does well to head clear just outside the box...unfortunately (for Knights), West Beach returned the ball with a lobbed drive from ~40 metres leaving Maggie struggling
to get back to his line and levelling the score at 1-1.
....
Concern for Knights as Ben Vidgeon gains an injury after a solid display....
Another opportunity for Knights somehow ends up in the hands of Maurice Hewson.
....
Relief for Knights...Stephen Maguire judges correctly as a shot passes closely by the upright !
Relief turns to anguish as West Beach counter and take the lead 1-2 with about 20 minutes to go.
Stephen Maguire made several crucial saves to keep Knights hopes alive but the game ended with another loss for Southern Knights.
Reserves
Southern Knights ( 5 ) West Beach ( 4 )
Sam Jones, Paul Thompson, Stephen Maguire, Jason Rusk, Anthony Micheal
A see-sawing finish with 9 goals provide some good entertainment in this Reserve fixture at O'Sullivan Beach, along with an excellent explanation of the offside rule using a
metaphorical example of handbags.
Southern Knights went to a 3-0 lead and probably should have been much further ahead but a stubborn West Beach turned the game around to lead with about 10 minutes to go.
A 30-40 second reply goal from Jason Rusk meant that lead was short lived.
Finally, Anthony Micheal was rewarded for an excellent game when he game Knights the lead at 5-4 with only a few minutes remaining.
....
.... 
An early lead for Southern Knights Reserves.
Knights and Beach attempt to get into the Guinness Book of Records for most footballers on a square metre of turf !
....
Knights stretch their lead.
....
.... 
3-0 to Knights...
West Beach reply quickly to make it 3-1.
.... 
Excellent save from Phil Smith
.... 
West Beach make it 3-2...
.... 
.... 
West Beach make it 3-3 with an excellent strike.
.... 
West Beach come frome 3-0 down to take a 3-4 lead...
.... 
Knights Jason Rusk puts the game back on level terms a 4-4 within 40 seconds of the restart.
Knights smother Anthony Micheal after he restores their lead at 5-4 with only minutes remaining.
.... 
A well earned victory celebration.
Round 1 - Southern Knights ( 2 ) MSSC Blue Eagles ( 5 )
Round 2 - Southern Knights ( 0 ) Brahma Lodge ( 2 )
Round 3 - Para Hills West ( 4 ) Southern Knights ( 1 )
Round 4 - Western Strikers ( 3 ) Southern Knights ( 1 )
Round 5 - Salisbury Florina ( 6 ) Southern Knights ( 0 )
Round 6 - Southern Knights ( 1 ) West Beach ( 2 )
Cup Round 1 - Southern Knights ( 4 ) Stirling Districts ( 1 )
Reserve Cup Round 1 - Southern Knights ( 4 ) Southern Breakers ( 2 )
