Lions down Knights in entertaining pre-season friendly

Photo:  George Ivanoc scores for the Knights after the Lions goalkeeper could only parry Jake Parish's stinging shot. [PlessPix] 

Kingborough Lions United beat Glenorchy Knights 3-2 in an entertaining NPL practice match at KGV Park this evening.

Knights took the lead on the half-hour when Kingborough’s Jake Huisgloot fouled Kiwi import Stefan Cordwell and conceded a penalty.

Tyler Harrison despatched the spot-kick with ease.

Photo:  Kingborough's Alex Brown about to score the equaliser to make it 1-1. [PlessPix] 

Alex Brown equalised for the Lions in the 40^th minute when he raced down the right and, despite being under pressure, scored with a powerful shot.

Noah Mies put the Lions in front a minute after half-time, but George Ivanov bundled the ball home for Knights in the 65^th minute to make it 2-2 after the Lions replacement goalkeeper failed to hold a fierce shot from Jake Parrish.

With 15 minutes remaining, Knight’s Jack Glover, gave away possession in midfield and Kingborough launched a quick counter-attack down the right which ended with Otto Schwarz scoring the winner for the visitors.

Photo:  Knights' Riley Dillon (right) outfoxes the Lions' Keenan Douce. [PlessPix] 

Kobe Kemp sat out the match for the Lions.  He broke his left wrist in a cycling mishap but said he should be okay for the upcoming Summer Cup competition.

Photo:  Kobe Kemp with his left wrist in plaster. [PlessPix] 

Both sides featured new signings.

The Knights had two imports as well as local acquisitions in George Ivanov, Joel Sammut, Josh Jones and Riley Dillon.

Kingborough featured Eli Luttmer, who captained Knights last season.

Photo:  Kingborough's Eli Luttmer has the measure of Knights' George Ivanov. [PlessPix]
 

Photo:  Knights' George Ivanov (left) keeps the Lions' Eli Luttmer on his toes. [PlessPix]
 

Photo:  Knights' Riley Dillon (right) puts the pressure on Lions' Eli Luttmer. [PlessPix]