Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Western Pride FC

A second-half hat-trick from Todd Norris guided Western Pride to a hard-fought 5-2 over Papua New Guinea Under 23 in a friendly match at Briggs Road Complex on Wednesday night

Norris’ saw his haul complemented by Harrison Sawyer and Joe Duckworth to overcome the visitors, who were preparing for an upcoming Olympic Games Qualifying tournament in Port Moresby.

Papua New Guinea started at a frenetic pace and opened the scoring after only ten minutes when Emmanuel Airen split a pair of Pride defenders before delivering a composed finish.

Pride levelled terms after the half-our through Sawyer  - the striker pouncing on a parried save from the Papua New Guinea goalkeeper Ishmael Pole to convert from close range.

The visitors again pressed early in the second half, however Pride secured the lead for the first time before the hour as Norris turned the ball into the goal from close range.

Papua New Guinea restored parity ten minutes later with a stunning strike from 25 yards from Nathan James.

However, Pride then added the three goals in the final twenty minutes to run away with the result.

Norris netted his second with a stinging strike from fifteen yards on 72 minutes.

Duckworth struck the crossbar with a quarter hour remaining before Norris stepped up to secure his hat-trick with a deft lobbed finish.

Norris then turned provider to set-up Duckworth in the final five minutes and round out the result.

Papua New Guinea Under 23 continue their series of friendly matches against Moreton Bay United tonight at Wolter Park.

Western Pride FC 5 (Harrison SAWYER 33’, Todd NORRIS 55’ 72’ 84’, Joe DUCKWORTH 86’)
Papua New Guinea Under 23  2 (Emmanuel AIREN 10’, Nathan JAMES 67’)