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Subscriber only AFTER the anxiety levels rose dramatically in both team camps, two major factors were highlighted in the latest battle of Ipswich . The first was the match being played like a local derby despite a number of footballers from Western Pride and the Ipswich Knights having not engaged in previous club encounters. The Knights finished the stronger at Bundamba on Friday night but were unable to penetrate Western Pride s defence a second time to at least salvage a draw. We didn t have enough quality tonight, Knights head coach Andy Ogden said, reflecting on his team s 2-1 defeat on home soil.
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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.
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Subscriber only WESTERN Pride s latest player of the match had to weather W-League style strikepower in her team s hard-fought National Premier Leagues victory. Pride goalkeeper Bianca Warrener highlighted why she is vice-captain and such a vital part of this year s side in the 2-1 victory over Olympic at Goodwin Park on Sunday night. Warrener repelled multiple shots, including those from former Ipswich and Brisbane Roar W-League striker Allira Toby. She was amazing, Pride head coach Trent Gregson said. She was under a lot of pressure in the second half . . . and Allira Toby was hitting balls at her point blank and she was pulling off saves. That takes a lot of heart.