Words: Carina Druce, Western Pride
Image: Lisa Chapman, Western Pride

Western Pride picked up their first points of the season on Saturday night with a solid 3-0 win against South West Queensland Thunder at Briggs Road Complex in Ipswich.

Pride secured the result in the final fifteen minutes of the contest courtesy of strikes to Peter Drager, Will Jordan and Lincoln Rule.

Pride showed their intent early in the first half as Rule tested Thunder goalkeeper Jace Hudson before Drager struck his shot wide shortly after.

The bottom of the table match-up proved hard-fought at times, with Pride’s Keagan Sheridan leaving the pitch early in the half with a head injury, requiring him to play the rest of the match with a bandage.

Pride dominated possession but genuine chances proved elusive as Jordan peppered the box with a series of crosses.

The hosts finished the half strongly, however Rule spurned a chance just prior to the half when he shot wide of the target.

Pride continued to push forward following the restart and the breakthrough edged ever closer as Schon Hansen saw his shot strike the crossbar.

Pride’s persistence paid off when Drager earned a penalty, however the lanky striker continued his mixed form from 12 yards this season when he struck his spot-kick over the bar.

Drager made amends shortly after when he opened the scoring with a powerful shot.

Five minutes later, Jordan doubled the advantage with a solid strike, converting after referee Chris Young played advantage for an earlier foul on Drager.

Rule sealed the result in the final minutes when he headed home from Hansen’s free kick.

Western Pride 3 (Peter DRAGER 76', Will JORDAN 81', Lincoln RULE 90')
SWQ Thunder 0