Pride Win Pre-Season Derby
Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting: Garry McKenzie
Mitchell Bird delivered a hat-trick as Western Pride recorded a comfortable 7-2 pre-season win over near-neighbours Ipswich City at Briggs Road Complex.
Bird’s haul was complemented by further goals to Barasa Boni Thomas, Daniel McHenery and Cameron Kleinhans in the pre-season derby.
City found themselves under pressure early after conceding an own goal in the opening exchanges, but soon leveled terms when Mark Fancourt headed past Pride goalkeeper Duncan Short.
Fancourt continued to pose problems before Pride regrouped and restored their advantage midway through the half – Youth team player Thomas cutting inside and curling a shot into the top corner after being released by Sean Karambasis.
The momentum swinged toward Pride for the remainder of the half as Thomas was only denied by a reflex save from City goalkeeper Brent Witney, while triallist Geoff MacIntyre twice shot wide of the target before the break.
After the restart, former Pride player Jay Kitching flashed a pair of stinging strikes wide for City before the introduction of substitutes Bird and Kleinhans delivered instant results for the hosts.
The two combined for Pride’s third goal as Kleinhan’s intercepted a wayward goal kick. He then drew out Witney before crossing to Bird for a simple finish.
Shortly after Bird turned provider to all but seal the win – riding a series of attempted tackles into the penalty area before teeing up McHenery to turn the ball in.
City flirted with a comeback as Condie took advantage of space in the area to lessen the deficit.
However, Pride stormed home with a further three goals as Bird added his second of the contest and Kleinhans converted from a Cory Leggett cross.
Bird wrapped up the result in the final minutes when McHenery repaid his earlier assist by delivering the cross for Bird’s hat-trick.
Pride continue their pre-season against fellow PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues club Redlands United in the BLK Silver Boot tournament on Wednesday.
Pre-Season Friendly
Saturday, January 16
Briggs Road Complex, Ipswich
Western Pride FC 7 (own goal 3’, Barasa Boni THOMAS 20’, Mitchell BIRD 60’ 75’ 88’, Daniel MCHENERY 68’, Cameron KLEINHANS 78’)
Ipswich City FC 2 (Mark FANCOURT 6’, Zygan CONDIE 70’)
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