Glenorchy Knights sending out strong signals for 2023

Photo:  Eagles' Sam Reibel (right) tackles the Knights' Eduardo Castaneda. [PlessPix]

Glenorchy Knights 4 (Mearns, Schmidt, Dzelakowski 2)

New Town White Eagles 2 (Taylor, Huigsloot)

HT:  2-1  Ref: Z Van Toor 

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Glenorchy Knights looked as if they may have a good 2023 NPL season as they beat New Town White Eagles 4-2 in a pre-season friendly on the new artificial KGV Park pitch tonight.

Knights had much the same line-up as last season, but Nick Mearns was back and opened the scoring with a neat finish from the right early in the game.

Tyler Harrison and Eli Luttmer were at the heart of their defence and looked very fit.

Photo:  Eagles' Sam Reibel (left) in a race for the ball. [PlessPix] 

Youngster Angus Burdon was between the sticks and did well, but Knights are sure to have a more experienced keeper by the time the season starts. 

Andy Taylor was a new signing for  New Town White Eagles and scored an excellent equaliser, following a fine build-up, shortly after Knights had taken the lead.

Daniel Schmidt put Knights ahead with a low shot through a wall of players to send the Knights in at the first break [the games consisted of three-half-hour thirds).

The Knights kicked towards the AFL ground for the first two thirds, before finally kicking towards the River Derwent end in the final third.

Photo:  Eagles' Brett Andrews tries to keep pace with Knights' Daniel Schmidt. [PlessPix] 

Dzelakowsi increased Knights' lead to 3-1 before scoring his second to make it 4-1.

Luke Huisgloot pulled a goal back for Eagles to make it 4-2 for Knights at the end.

Knights should have led by more than 2-1 after the first third.  Nick Naden hit the crossbar and also fired over when well-placed, as did several of his team-mates.

Knights looked much fitter than Eagles.  Their 2-1 win over South Hobart a few weeks ago augurs well for the season ahead.

Photo:  Knights' Tyler Harrison heads clear. [PlessPix]