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Subscriber only FLEET-footed Western Pride goal scorer Byron McLeod has already experienced highs and lows as a footballer who is just 20 years old. The former premiership-winning Peninsula Power striker/winger has played overseas and broke his collarbone after lining up against his current club as a junior. He rated the latest local derby against the Ipswich Knights one of the toughest matches he has played in. McLeod put his team 2-0 up in the 26th minute after capitalising on a goalmouth scramble. After the Knights powered home threatening to at least salvage a second half draw, Pride newcomer McLeod said his team knew they were in a fierce battle.
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Subscriber only WESTERN Pride head coach Brian Hastings was still exploring his goalkeeping options preparing for Friday night s hotly-anticipated local derby against the Ipswich Knights. After having to field young goalkeeper Ashton Bonsall in the net with his two frontliners out, Hastings was looking for a more experienced shot-stopper. We ll make that decision tonight, Hastings said. Under the circumstances, Bonsall did his job against a Souths United team keen to exploit the teenager s inexperience in last weekend s Football Queensland Premier League 1 encounter. He (Bonsall) will be on the bench for sure but he may still be guarding the goal, Hastings said.
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Subscriber only HAVING been at the receiving end of what they have delivered in recent weeks, the Ipswich Knights are on high alert for Friday night s local derby. I m thinking it s going to be different to last year, astute Knights head coach Andy Ogden said, refocusing on his team s next clash against Western Pride. I think Brian (Pride head coach Brian Hastings) is going to be a lot more conservative and try and stay as solid as he can and then hit us on the break and things like that. But who knows? The Knights had the edge over Pride last year, winning the first derby 2-1 before a 4-1 victory in the return bout.
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Subscriber only WITH both his goalkeepers ruled out, Western Pride coach Brian Hastings was on an SOS mission before Saturday night s next match. Major off-season recruit Jake Reesby is expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks after damaging his leg in a goalmouth collision during last weekend s 2-1 loss to South West Queensland. Jake is barely walking at the moment, Hastings said. Reesby was waiting a MRI scan to determine if he has suffered a fracture or meniscus tear. Western Pride goalkeeper Jake Reesby. Reesby was replaced early in last weekend s Football Queensland Premier League match by rising young gun Josh Boyle.