...........................................Andrew Alvino
...........................................Matthew Harrison
Southern Knights travelled to Marden hoping to avenge their opening round 5-2 loss to MSSC Blue Eagles.
Knights were still minus key player David Mooney whilst Ben Smith and Matthew Harrison went into the game with illness.
On a positive note, Robert Marsden and Chris Bradley had just touched down from their overseas holidays to add some more depth to the squad.
The side was unchanged from the previous weeks home loss to Para Hills West, Stephen Maguire in goals with Stuart Blyth, Jimmy Stewart, Lee White and Ben Vidgeon defending
behind Ben Smith, Matt Harrison and Aaron O'Toole, whilst Tom Foglia, Andrew Alvino and Scott Bradley held down attacking roles.
MSSC Blue Eagles looked a much bigger side overall, but Knights started well and took the lead early when Andrew Alvino slotted passed Eagles keeper.
Gianluca Lagati and Milad Sultani looked dangerous up front for Blue Eagles and former Italian professional footballer Diego Pellegrini was commanding in defense and midfield.
Both teams created opportunities but Eagles looked very frustrated and were lucky to escape any yellow cards before the break as they trailed 0-1.
After the half time interval Blue Eagles began to attack more and Stephen Maguire made some telling stops, but opportunities still fell to Knights despite losing goalscorer Andrew Alvino to injury.
Blue Eagles eventually equalised finishing off a good build up to drive the ball passed a hapless Stephen Maguire.
Once more both sides let good goalscoring opportunities pass by until eventually, Matt Harrison was on hand to put an elated Knights side back in front at around the 70th minute mark.
Knights held off Blue Eagles with a good display of finesse, football and bucket loads of determination.
Another big game for Knights at home next week...hoping this time to avenge their big away loss to in form, promotion chasing Salisbury Florina.
* a bit late in the night (or early in the morning)...but finally got the photos up
Link to all MSSC Blue Eagles v Southern Knights photos
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Aaron O'Toole, Jimmy Stewart, Stuart Blyth and Tom Foglia...all new signings for Southern Knights in 2012...all contributing to Knights improving form.
Tom Foglia looks to lay off as Knights move forward.
A surrounded Aaron O'Toole (11) taking on the experienced Diego Pellegrini...
MSSC Blue Eagles keeper looks behind to see Andrew Alvino's 5th. minute strike heading into the goal.
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Tom Foglia and Matt Harrison congratulate Andrew Alvino.
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Some mid-game net maintenance was required...
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Eagles issue a warning to Southern Knights....
Ben Smith has a chat on his invisible mobile phone !
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Matt Harrison fires a strong header just wide... whilst Jimmy Stewart and Ben Vidgeon still find time for a little humour.
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Scott Bradley and Aaron O'Toole pushed forward well whilst Ben Smith battled hard in the centre of the park.
Aaron O'Toole made his presence felt on set pieces...
Ben Vidgeon and Jimmy Stewart keep a close check on Gianluca Lagati.
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Pellegrini prepares to launch a free kick into Knights area...and Andrew Alvino pushes forward as Knights clear.
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Stephen Maguire nullifies a Blue Eagles foray forward....later Sultani is adjudged offside.
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Ben Smith outjumps his opponent despite giving away many centimetres...
Stuart Blyth clears with Lagati close at hand..
Stephen Maguire clears from under pressure from the experienced Lagati..
Lagati, after pushing Maguire to the ground, explains his point of view.
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A little chat....then walk away Gianluca.....meanwhile...it's business as usual for Stuart Blyth with a good intercepting header.
Stephen "Maggy" Maguire clears well again but corks Ben Vidgeon in the process !
Ben Vidgeon clears but this time is caught by enemy fire.
Second half underway with Lee White and Matt Harrison pushing out of defense.
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An offside goal given but Pellegrini has a different opinion.
A brilliant save from Stephen Maguire as he deflects the ball over the crossbar.
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Despite a confusing loud shout of "leave it" from Blue Eagles, with no name attached, the home side equalise from a good build up.
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Matt Harrison closes down Blue Eagles as the push out...then waits his opportunity as Knights send in a corner.
Elation for Southern Knights as the perennial Matt Harrison celebrates putting his team back in front.
Ben Smith sleepwalking but still able to give instructions to his charges !
Ben Smith takes a well earned little nap !
Refreshed and back on his feet...
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More safe hands from Maguire and another close call for Knights.
Jimmy Stewart looks on as Ben Vidgeon prepares to clear under pressure from Pellegrini.
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Despite having the flu, Ben Smith still is able to run out the game............. and Ben Vidgeon clears once again.
Another much neede 3 points for Southern Knights.
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Some well earned amber fluid back at one of the Southern Knights sponsors...the Marion Hotel.
Reserves
MSSC Blue Eagles ( 4 ) Southern Knights ( 2 )
...........................................Anthony Micheal
...........................................Richard Finlayson
Southern Knights Reserves got off to a bad start against MSSC Blue Eagles despite the return of captain Steve Fulton and Chris Bradley flying in early from a Waikiki holiday.
The visitors struggled on the small, sandy upper pitch and found themselves 3-0 down at half time, including a goal from MSSC club stalwart Cossi Cirocco.
After the break they came out a little more settled and Anthony Micheal pulled the game back to 3-1 with his 7th. league goal for the season.
Steve Fulton, Sam Jones, Alex Field and Chris Bradley worked hard all day and eventually Richard Finlayson sent in a strong headed goal to bring it back to 3-2.
Knights had Blue Eagles on the back foot but a swift counter attack was finished well and Knights fell behind 4-2 and lost their momentum.
Despite a series of chances for both sides, the game finished without any further change to the score line.
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Alex Field looks on as Andre "DiCanio" Rickers lays the ball off.....Dustin McMahon makes a run down the wing.
Dustin McMahon looks on as Sam Jones pushes forward.
Andre Rickers clears again under pressure.
Steve Fulton, Andre Rickers close Eagles down as Chris Bradley backs them up.
Brenton Rowe does well to smother a Blue Eagles attack.
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Brenton Rowe pushes a good strike onto the crossbar but Blue Eagles Cossi Cirocco is quickest to react and makes it 1-0.
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High fives as 1-0 quickly becomes 2-0...
A good save from Brenton Rowe...
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Twister anyone ?
Escape To Victory....
2nd. half...an excellent close range reaction save from Phil Smith.
Knights under pressure !
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Anthony Micheal celebrates his 7th. Reserve league goal of the season.
Moments later Anthony Michael just misses out on making it 8 goals..
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A strong header from Richard Finlayson finds the back of Eagles net...3-2...
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Finlayson (2) celebrates with Andre Rickers and Justin Moule.
Almost an equaliser...
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Dion Miller gets a run after several weeks in Spain..
Another chance for an equaliser goes by....
MSSC Blue Eagles under the pump..
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A quick counter attack and it's 4-2 to Blue Eagles...game, set, match !
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Links to other pictorial game reports for 2012
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 )
Round 8 - Southern Knights ( 4 ) Macedonia United ( 2 )
Round 9 - Beograd Generals ( 2 ) Southern Knights ( 2 )
Round 10 - Southern Knights ( 4 ) Western Strikers ( 1 )
Round 11 - Brahma Lodge ( 1 ) Southern Knights ( 4 )
Round 12 - Southern Knights ( 0 ) Para Hills West ( 2 )
Round 13 - MSSC Blue Eagles( 1 ) Southern Knights ( 2 )
Cup Round 1 - Southern Knights ( 4 ) Stirling Districts ( 1 )
Cup Round 2 - Flinders University ( 0 ) Southern Knights ( 6 )
Cup Round 3 - Fulham United ( 4 ) Southern Knights ( 6 ) after extra time and penalties
Reserve Cup Round 1 - Southern Knights ( 4 ) Southern Breakers ( 2 )
Reserve Cup Round 2 - Salisbury Inter ( 1 ) Southern Knights ( 2 )
Reserve Cup Round 3 - Ingle Farm ( 4 ) Southern Knights ( 1 )
Round 7 - Elizabeth Downs ( 2 ) Modbury Vista ( 1 )
