Words: Michael Flynn
Image: Paul Smith

Triallist Majok Piok struck a second half brace as SWQ Thunder opened their pre-season with a 4-2 win over Ipswich Knights in the BLK Silver Boot on Sunday.

Piok’s haul added to first half goals from high profile off-season recruits Mustafa Jafari and Luke Borean as the Toowoomba-based club fought back after conceding the opening goal.

The only sour note for Thunder came late in the contest when Rowan Soloman was dismissed – the decision earning the defender a suspension for the pre-season tournament's next round.

Thunder made a tentative start to the contest and were soon on the back-foot as Mitch Davis capitalised on an errant pass in the backline from Soloman to open accounts.

As the half advanced both sides created several chances – the best for both sides coming from set-pieces as Piok and Knights’ Lucas Wilson both threatened from free-kicks.

But Thunder had to wait until late in the half to fashion the equaliser as Jafari beat Knights goalkeeper onrushing Matt Baker to a lobbed pass and tucked away the finish.

Immediately prior to the break a Knights hand-ball allowed Thunder the opportunity to gain the lead – goalkeeper Borean converting from the penalty spot.

The to-and-fro continued following the restart with both sides still in the contest.

However, after the hour Thunder doubled their advantage - Piok opening his account with a tap-in after being teed-up by Jafari, who blitzed a pair of Knights defenders with a stunning burst.

Piok then secured his brace approaching the final quarter hour after slipping in behind the Knights defence and delivered a composed finish one-on-one with Baker.

Nervous moments followed as Knights flirted with a come-back – Butler getting in behind Thunder’s defences from a long-ball and pushing his finish past Borean.

The dismissal of Soloman for a second bookable offence in the final ten minutes added further drama, however Knights were unable to reel in Thunder's two goal buffer.

Thunder again face Brisbane Premier League opposition next Sunday when they continue their BLK Silver Boot campaign against Eastern Suburbs.

BLK Silver Boot 2016 - Group D
Sunday, January 24
Lions Stadium, Brisbane 

SWQ Thunder FC  4 (Mustafa JAFARI 35’, Luke BOREAN 44’p, Majok PIOK 69’ 74’)
Ipswich Knights FC  2 (Matthew DAVIS 3’, Andrew BUTLER 78')