Pride Prevails In A2 Derby
Words: Jason Hall, SWQ Thunder
Image: Keith Eigeland, Football Queensland
Western Pride proved too strong for South West Queensland Thunder on Saturday night, coming from a goal down to claim the 'A2 Derby' 4-1 at Clive Berghofer Stadium in Toowoomba.
Lincoln Rule secured a brace from the penalty spot for the visitors, adding to goals from Schon Hansen and Peter Drager for the visitors, while Nathan Knox netted Thunder’s sole strike.
Despite sitting bottom of the table, Thunder took the lead on four minutes when defensive midfielder Knox struck a left-footed volley from 25 yards after Harry Scott’s cross was partially cleared.
Pride replied three minutes later after Jacob Bigby was penalised for a handball – Rule sending Thunder goalkeeper Michael Pike the wrong way from the spot kick.
Thunder came close to regaining the lead before the break when Ben Watt benefitted from a dangerous Knox free-kick, however the centre half couldn’t keep his shot under the bar.
Pride took the lead four minutes after the restart when Hansen gained possession in the Thunder penalty area, skirting defender Nick Berry before slotting past Pike for his first goal of the campaign.
On 57 minutes a well weighted pass from midfield saw Pride striker Drager out-pace Watt and clinically finish to double the visitor’s advantage.
Scott threatened three times in ten minutes as Thunder looked to fight their way back into the contest, however the result was sealed when Rule again converted from the penalty spot with six minutes remaining.
The result marks the second win in three games for Pride and moves the Ipswich club within five points of 11th placed Northern Fury.
Thunder remain at the foot of the league table without a competition point in their debut season.
SWQ Thunder 1 (Nathan KNOX 4')
Western Pride 4 (Lincoln RULE 7'(pen) 84'(pen), Schon HANSEN 49', Peter DRAGER 57')
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