Knights give Spirit new motivation

David Lems | 6th July 2009

WESTERN Spirit co-coach Nev O'Sullivan found two major benefits after his team bowed out of this year's Football Brisbane Premier Cup competition.

The first was how well Spirit fared in the local derby against the dangerous Ipswich Knights.

The second was seeing the standard his Division 2 players must strive for to return to Division 1 next year.

The Knights advanced to the fourth round of the annual knockout competition by beating Spirit 1-0 at Kippen Park on Friday night.

In-form striker Andrew Korner scored the only goal, midway through the first half.

O'Sullivan was pleased how his team performed without key players Steve Lennon (suspended), Alex Anderson (injured) and Chris Morrell (unavailable).

“It was a tough game,” O'Sullivan said.

“It was played really well actually. I thought it was good football to watch.

“A true indication of the game was about 3-1 down.”

Helping Chris McCabe coach the side this season, O'Sullivan said Spirit could learn from its workout against the Knights.

“They (the Knights) are very potent up front . . . a very balanced side with a few old heads at the back and Zayne (athletic goalkeeper Zayne Freiberg),” O'Sullivan said.

“As I said to the boys, this is where we want to be next year. Where they played this weekend, they've got to stay - keep their level up there.”

Knights captain Stephen Hughes said Western Spirit showed promise.

“They're not too bad,” the experienced defender said.

“They've got a lot of good individual players. They just need to work together as a team.”

Hughes said the Knights had the better of the match, failing to convert some straightforward chances.

“In the end we were happy with it but we probably should have won by a lot more,” Hughes said.

However, Hughes said the game was helpful as the Knights prepare for Saturday afternoon's top of the table Division 1 clash with Pine Hills.

“That will keep the confidence up. It's a big game,” Hughes said.

Western Spirit's next Division 2 match is against Moggill at Bellbowrie Sports Ground this Saturday night.

O'Sullivan was encouraged by how well Steve Newbigging played in a new role up front. He also praised the tenacity of Matt Christensen and strong efforts by Scott Donaldson and Brad Seeley in defence.

In Saturday's Division 2 catch-up game, the Ipswich City Bulls beat Kangaroo Point Rovers 2-0.

Attacking midfielder Zygan Condie and fullback Jared Fisher scored goals from long-range kicks in the first half in a match played in blustery conditions at Kangaroo Point.

“A win's a win and no injuries. It was a pretty good day,” Bulls coach Trent Abel said.

“Everyone was really good.

“It was a better performance than we put in against Regents (1-1 the previous game).”

The Bulls play Southside Eagles at Sutton Park on Sunday and Newmarket the following Tuesday in another catch-up game.

The Bulls Reserves lost 1-0 on Saturday.