Knights desperate to regain Spirit

TWO weeks ago, the Ipswich Knights were in top spot and in line for Premier League football promotion.

Suddenly, the Knights have slipped to fourth and are fighting to rebuild their shattered pride.

Wednesday night’s 3-1 loss to North Star was Ipswich’s second defeat in five days – coming after they had strung together a series of terrific performances.

With one match left, the shock defeat left the Knights on 47 points, trailing leader North Pine on 51, University of Queensland (50) and Western Spirit (48).

The Knights can leapfrog Spirit into third spot for the finals by winning Sunday’s highly- anticipated local derby at Goodna.

However, the Knights have to quickly regain their winning rhythm with Division 1 finals starting next week.

“Last night was one of the hardest games all season,” skilful striker Peter Drager said yesterday.

“We’ve got the ability, definitely. It’s just a matter of turning up on the day and getting the result.”

Drager conceded the Knights lost their momentum after having their recent Saturday game with North Star washed out.

“It might have been the week off. That sort of stopped us I suppose,” he said.

“We’re pretty devastated (losing to Lions 3-2 and to North Star).

“It’s a long season and thought we could have got there in the end.”

The Knights conceded two early goals on Wednesday night before Wayne Adams converted a penalty early in the second half to keep his team in the game.

However, the home side scored a third goal on a bumpy surface to seal the Knights’ torment.

Drager said the Knights thought they could still come back at 2-1 down. “The effort was there. It just didn’t happen,” he said.

Drager said the Knights gained confidence for Sunday’s game knowing they beat former competition leaders Western Spirit 3-0 in the first round.

“We’re still going to play for it,” the speedster said. “It’s the two best sides in Ipswich.”

– David Lems

Rivals join forces for terrific cause – page 38