Words: Garry McKenzie & Michael Flynn
Images: Chris Simpson

A late strike from Mitchell Bird has salvaged Western Pride a dramatic 1-1 draw against Olympic FC at Briggs Road Complex.

Olympic started the brighter and took the early lead via Matthew Heath inside the opening half-hour, however the contest descended into a close and tactical stand-off before Bird eventually equalised with his second goal of the season in the closing stages.

Both sides saw chances to claim a much-needed three points at the death but ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils.

The result extends both Pride and Olympic's current unbeaten runs to three matches, however both teams remain in the lower reaches of the table at the competition’s half-way stage.

Key Moments

2’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Gabriel Hawash is brought down at the edge of the area but Lucas can only direct his free kick straight at the keeper

18’ - GOAL FOR OLYMPIC – Matthew Heath smashes the ball to the right of a diving Pride goalkeeper Duncan Short after Pride lost possession just outside their own area.

28’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC - Heath is played into space on the left and puts in a by-line cross however Daniel Byrne skews his attempt wide of the post

32’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC - A Byrne free-kick just outside the penalty area flashes just wide of the target

60’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE - Nielen Brown latches on to a clearance outside the area and but sees his effort denied by a diving save from Olympic goalkeeper Nicholas Mooney

69’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Bonventure Thomas-Remijo touches on in the middle of the penalty area for Nielen Brown but his lobbed attempt is snatched by a backpeddling Mooney

71’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Mitchell Bird is released by Nielen Brown and touches around Mooney but can’t keep his shot down from the edge of the penalty area

79’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE - Thomas-Remijo races into the area but Mooney steals the ball from his toes

88’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Bird bursts onto a pinpoint Thomas-Remijo cross to power home the finish from point-blank range

89’ – CHANCE FOR OLYMPIC – Ramone Close bears down on goal on the counter attack but his effort is deflected wide

90+1’ – CHANCE FOR PRIDE – Thomas-Remijo’s awkward pass threatens to bounce over Mooney but the Olympic gloveman leaps just high enough to beat the onrushing Bird.

What They Said

“A draw was a fair result. We gifted them an early goal and they were certainly on top of us first half but in the second half the boys came out and adjusted to what we wanted them to do. We changed our shape at half time. We saw an area in which we could improve in possession of the ball.” – Graham Harvey, Western Pride FC Coach

“Chances were limited in the game and in the first half we were more dominant in their last third but they defended well. At the end of the day it was a great game to watch. I thought they were fitter than us and that is something I have already identified since I have been at the club. We showed in the first 45 minutes we pressed well and we pressed high but as the game went on our fitness levels showed the reason why we are second bottom of the league.” - Terry Kirkham, Olympic FC Coach

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 11

Sunday, May 22
Briggs Road Complex, Ipswich

Western Pride FC – 1 (Mitchell BIRD 88’)
Olympic FC – 1 (Matthew HEATH 18’)

CLICK HERE for the official Match Centre

Match Officials – Rebecca Durcau (referee), Joseph Lee (assistant), Isidro Terol Crespo (assistant), Kehan Ryley (fourth)