Words: Tristram Peters
Additional Reporting: Garry McKenzie
Image: Chris Simpson

Western Pride have secured their biggest ever win to remain in a Finals spot after defeating SWQ Thunder 8-1 at Briggs Road Sporting Complex on Saturday night.

Mitchell Bird was instrumental in the win, netting a classy hat-trick, but was ably supported by Dan Hall and captain Jesse Rigby, who both scored their first senior goals.

Harrison Sawyer's departure several weeks ago had many wondering where the Pride goals would come from but Bird has rubbished any doubt, scoring eight goals in his past three appearances.

Pride face a potential Semi Final preview when they play ladder leaders Gold Coast City away next weekend, while Thunder host Moreton Bay United. 

Key Moments

40’ - GOAL FOR PRIDE - A flowing counter attack sees Adam Endean’s long ball find a central Joe Duckworth, who quickly releases Dylan Wenzel-Halls behind the Thunder defence to slot the ball past McDonald.

42’ - GOAL FOR PRIDE - Mitchell Bird is played in behind the Thunder defence to run in and power a low ball into the back of the net.

51’ - GOAL FOR PRIDE - A Crestani free-kick is headed home by captain Jesse Rigby for his first goal for the club after 60 games.

56’ - GOAL FOR THUNDER - Mustafa Jafari reaches a high pass into the box to volley the ball neatly over Davison.

66’ - GOAL FOR PRIDE - Duckworth is allowed time in the box to pick his spot after latching onto Hayden Mchenery’s low by-line cross.

78’ - GOAL FOR PRIDE - Bird runs the ball almost halfway down the pitch, out-pacing several defenders and coolly finishes past McDonald.

84’ - GOAL FOR PRIDE - Bailey Salisbury scores an unfortunate own-goal after Delors Tuyishime’s cut-back is deflected beyond a stranded McDonald.

86’ - GOAL FOR PRIDE - Substitute Dan Hall, twists, falls and swings his way past a Thunder defender to find himself goal-side and he cannot miss to grab his first senior goal for Pride.

89’ - GOAL FOR PRIDE - Mitchell Bird grabs his hat-trick with the last kick of the match after again carrying the ball through the Thunder defense and shooting low.

Match Details

Playstation 4 National Premier Leagues Queensland - Round 20
Saturday, August 5
Briggs Road Sporting Complex

Western Pride FC 8 (Dylan WENZEL-HALLS 40', Mitchell BIRD 42' 78' 89', Jesse RIGBY 51', Joe DUCKWORTH 66', Own Goal 84', Dan HALL 86')

South West Queensland Thunder FC 1 (Mustafa JAFARI 56')