Rovers & Knights Share Sunday Spoils
Rochedale Rovers 2 (Cameron 12’, Mooney 39’) Ipswich Knights 2 (Peter 24’, A.Butler 56’) HT: 2-1
Played at: Underwood Park Referee: Paul Eldridge With the same teams meeting shortly in the Westfield FFA Cup there was a lot to be learned from the Flight Centre Premier League Rd7 clash between Rochedale Rovers and Ipswich Knights but ultimately the jury is still out following their 2-2 draw on a glorious Sunday afternoon at Underwood Park. Rochedale started best and got their just reward on twelve minutes when Lewis Cameron outpaced the Ipswich defence and slotted home from inside the area. In the 24th minute, Ipswich got back into the contest through Emmanuel Peter who capitalised on an error from Brandon Cuminao scoring at the third attempt. It’s worth mentioning that Cuminao’s first save was spectacular but he was unfortunate to see the ball bounce straight into the path of the South Sudanese striker. Ipswich, playing a lone striker and trying to break quickly, were starting to take control of the contest but they went behind once again to a Paul Mooney free kick* which was whipped in across the area and went straight into the goal with Matt Baker stranded. Andy Butler fits the Knights’ system perfectly and it was fully deserved when he equalised with a crisp finish from the left hand side in the 56th minute. Having butchered a similar opportunity only minutes earlier he would have been relieved to see his shot power into the back of the net. There were plenty of travelling supporters, and home supporters, on hand and they were treated to an entertaining contest. It wasn’t technically great with hot conditions having an impact but there was enough intensity to keep everyone on the edge of their seat for the full ninety minutes. Michael Baird returned to action off the bench for Rochedale and almost had the desired impact when he volleyed home on the end of a Mooney free kick but he was flagged offside by the assistant. It was a tight decision but looked to be a good one. There were plenty of good performers for both teams. Greg Cheshire created chances but was unable to find the net despite hitting the post late in the first half. Uryu Nagata and Luke Howell continued to demonstrate their defensive skills whilst Ryan Faichinie was creative in his midfield role. The addition of Andy Butler and Jason Tobin from last year’s Lions team has been a bonus for the Knights. Both players fit nicely into their respective roles. Lincoln Rule and Dale Robinson also deserve special mention for their gritty performances in a tightly congested midfield. Neither team will be particularly happy to leave with a draw because the result could easily have tipped either way but Rovers will likely be more disappointed because they had a large possessional advantage and created more chances. Ultimately, it sets up an intriguing contest when the date is set for Round5 of the Westfield FFA Cup. Next weekend, Rochedale play the late game on Sunday against UQFC, with a 6pm kick off at Walton Bridge Reserve. Ipswich have a tougher assignment, returning home for a Sunday 4pm kick off against Holland Park Hawks. FBMedia Player Of The Match: Emmanuel Peter (Ipswich Knights) Peter has evolved into a genuine back to goal centre-forward and he is crucial to his team in that role. He was available all game and rarely turned over possession allowing his side to counter attack freely when the situation arose. *Greg Cheshire may or may not have gotten a touch on the ball before it went into the net which will be confirmed when the referee’s report is updated.
TEAM LINE-UPS:
Rochedale Rovers: Cuminao, Davies, Howell, Nagata, Grant, Mooney, Sargent, Shizuno, Faichinie, Cheshire, Cameron. Subs: Baird, Gore, Mojica-Rodriguez, McDonald. Ipswich Knights: Baker, Kakimoto, Tobin, C. Butler, Teshager, Robinson, Rule, Wilson, A.Butler, Levinson, Wilson. Subs: Finlayson, Savini, Johnson.
