Words: Michael Flynn
Additional Reporting & Images: Paul Smith

Western Pride put paid to a four match winless run with a stunning 5-1 win over SWQ Thunder at Clive Berghofer Stadium.

Pride fell behind early as Majok Piok opened accounts for Thunder, however the visitors then delivered five unanswered goals to claim their first three points since early April.

Joseph Duckworth did the bulk of a damage with a brace for Pride, while Will McFarlane, Nielen Brown and Bonventure Thomas-Rejilo each netted their maiden goals in the national second tier to round out the result.

The win lifts Pride ahead of Thunder in the league standings with Thunder now without a point in their past four league outings.

Key Moments

5’ – GOAL FOR THUNDER - Thomas Fanning’s through ball from midfield releases Mustafa Jafari, who crosses from left wing to pick-out Majok Piok for a simple headed finish from close range

15’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – A free-kick is is met by the head of Will McFarlane that can’t be stopped by Thunder goalkeeper Luke Borean

25’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE - Nielen Brown unloads on a loose ball just inside the penalty area that beats the diving Borean to his right

26’ – CHANCE FOR THUNDER – Piok takes possession near on the penalty spot but his shot is directed straight into the arms of Pride goalkeeper Duncan Short

30’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Pride pounce on the counter following a Thunder corner with Joseph Duckworth applying the finishing touches by bouncing his shot in off the post

55’ – CHANCE FOR THUNDER – a series of quick fire shots for the hosts but they can’t get through a penalty area brimming with Pride defenders

64’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE – Duckworth is given too much time inside the box and delivers an inch perfect finish to slot the ball in at the far post

70’ – CHANCE FOR THUNDER – Jafari’s strike from the edge of the area takes a beneficial deflection but drops on top of the crossbar

80’ - CHANCE PRIDE – Bonventure Thomas-Remijo beats Thunder defender Rowan Solomon on his way through the midfield before unleashing from distance but his strike is back off the crossbar

88’ – GOAL FOR PRIDE -  Thomas-Remijo carries the ball deep into the area from the left flank and then converts the finish across an outstretched Borean

What They Said

“I apologise to the fans. We didn’t deliver in the first forty-five….some boys have just got to go home and look in the mirror and ask ‘did you really give everything for the jersey tonight?’ and the answer is no.“ – Chris McLeod, SWQ Thunder FC coach

“It’s always tough coming up the hill to play against Thunder. They’ve improved a lot but we came here with a game plan. I think we executed it well and we walk away with the three points.“ – Nielen Brown, Western Pride FC

Match Details

PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues 2016 – Round 10

Saturday, May 14
Clive Berghofer Stadium, Toowoomba

SWQ Thunder FC – 1 (Majok PIOK 5’)
Western Pride FC – 5 (Will MCFARLANE 15’, Neilen BROWN 25’, Joseph DUCKWORTH 30’ 64’, Bonventure THOMAS-REMIJO 88’)

CLICK HERE for the official Match Centre

Match Officials – Lara LEE (referee), Alex HOHN (assistant), Ethan QUINLAN (assistant), Sarah WILLINGTON (fourth)