Knights make history twice

THE Gippsland soccer league’s second week of semi-finals proved another entertaining and nail-biting day of fantastic local soccer.

The senior men’s game saw number two on the ladder Phillip Island Breakers versus number three Leongatha Knights FC for the privilege of progressing to the Grand final next week.

After topping the league last year but being knocked out of the finals in the semi-final stage, the Knights were keen to learn from their mistakes and came ready to make some history.

With the weather holding off, both teams started strong with an equal amount of possession passing between both and no clear advantages, though the Island’s attacks looked dangerous. It was Phillip Island striker Adam Dean who had a strong shot on goal that was initially saved by Leongatha’s GK Chris Gale, but a slight fumble saw Dean capitalise for a leading 1-0 score for Phillip Island at halftime.

Not to be deterred the Knights came back on the pitch with changes and renewed determination. Switching to a back four to free up their wingers to create more attacking opportunities saw the Knights fire up and possession move their way. It was a delightful long ball in from centre back Jack Bainbridge that found Knights striker Hayden’s head to score Leongatha’s first goal to a roaring crowd of supporters.

From that moment on it became the Knights game. Strong attacking runs up the wings and the occasional counter ball saw Leongatha’s attacking chances skyrocket. Whilst the Island was forced to attempt long balls to penetrate a dominating Leongatha defence. 

It was a magnificent free kick from outside the 18-yard line from Leongatha’s midfield Ethan Bath that sailed cleanly into the nets that elevated the game for the Knights. With a two-one lead over the Breakers, the Knights could taste victory.

The attacking runs kept coming with right wing Darcy Johnstone moving to the number 10 position to provide some killer set ups for the attack as Aidan Hall and Henry Mbuthia worked hard up the wings to cross.

However, it was a second free kick granted to the Knights on the right flank, again outside the 18-yard line, that saw the Knight’s hero of the day Ethan Bath step up to plate to deliver one of the most gorgeous free kick this league has seen. Though the Breaker’s keeper got the tips of his fingers to the ball it passed cleanly into the top left corner to another roar from the crowd and sealing the deal for 3-1 for Leongatha.

For the first time in club history, the Senior Men’s team are heading to the Gippsland Soccer League Grand Final! They also make league history as their coach Bethany Milkins is the first woman to coach a team at the senior men’s level in a grand final.

Best of Luck Knights! You can see the Leongatha Knights take on Trafalgar Victory in the GSL Grand Final at Lang Lang next Sunday.