Ipswich team’s costly red cards as Knights regain bragging rights

The Knights’ 2-0 win over Western Pride featured two red card dismissals that could hurt their team’s hopes in the Football Queensland Premier League 1 finals. See what happened.

The Ipswich Knights restored some football order in securing bragging rights after their latest local derby on foreign soil.

However, the Knights’ 2-0 win over Western Pride featured two red card dismissals that could hurt their team’s hopes in the Football Queensland Premier League 1 finals.

Striker Wil Asante (30th minute) and defender Kelton Scriggins (87th minute) were both sent from the field in a game where Pride’s trademark discipline disappeared.

Preparing to tackle newly-promoted Brisbane City in the top four playoffs, Pride could ill afford to lose players the quality of Asante and Scriggins if they are suspended following Friday night’s encounter.

Pride player Wil Asante. Picture: Kerryn Hyett

Even rival coach Andy Ogden was unsure what happened on the field.

“To be honest, I’m a little bit surprised by the way Pride approached the game because they’ve done really well to get fourth,’’ Ogden said.

“Take nothing away from them but I thought they would have just relaxed and played.

“The silly send-offs - both were deserved but silly - and they didn’t try and play.’’

Western Pride defender Kelton Scriggins. Picture: Christina Moran

The Knights mentor was pleased to see his more organised side continue its recent run of consistent form looking to lock up the fifth spot behind Pride.

“They (Pride) threw the ball in long and caused problems but I thought we controlled the majority of the game and thoroughly deserved the win,’’ Ogden said.

The Knights made a promising start with the team’s leading goal scorer Nick Edwards netting his 10th for the season.

He struck a superb shot after the ball deflected off the crossbar, giving the Knights a second chance Edwards happily accepted at the Briggs Road Sporting Complex.

“It’s great to get double figures and hopefully I can get a couple more in the last game,’’ Edwards said.

Edwards, 26, conceded he had a short lapse in confidence mid-season when coach Ogden dropped him to the under-23 side for a match.

“After we come back from Covid, we just talked about things and what we needed me to work on a little bit more and then after a week and a half, I got back in that top side and really started steaming on,’’ he said.

In his third year with the Knights, Edwards knew he had to step up after the team lost another consistent goal scorer Lachlan Munn.

“Lachy was a player to get double figures . . . and now for me to get double figures is just someone else stepping in someone else’s shoes, which is good.

“Every year is getting a little bit better, which is good, and hopefully we can continue to grow.’’

Ipswich Knights goal scorer Nick Edwards was pleased his recent form continued in the local derby. Picture: David Lems

The second goal was equally brilliant with Fumiya Sono hitting it sweetly giving mobile Pride goalkeeper Josh Boyle no chance.

“He’s had a super six weeks actually,’’ Ogden said. “That’s his second goal in two games.’’

Edwards typified the satisfying Knights performance after emerging from the Briggs Road Sporting Complex dressing sheds following his fourth local derby between the Ipswich sides.

“I love it. It’s always good to come out to Pride and have a good workout,’’ Edwards said.

The 2-0 win provided a lift after the Knights lost 2-1 to Pride in the first local derby this season.

“It’s always hard to lose at home but you’ve got to get it back coming here,’’ Edwards said.

“It’s always tough, they get a good crowd, but we did the job today quite easy, which is good.’’

The match had plenty of feeling with players from both sides standing their ground.

“It’s always more bragging rights than anything when we come here,’’ he said.

“We want to make sure that we go away with three points and the bragging rights.

“Even though our season comes to an end next week, we still keep kicking.’’

Long-serving Western Pride manager Darryl Christensen with his mum Robina in happy times. Pride and Knights players and supporters paid tribute to Robina on Friday night.

Before match kick-off, both teams and spectators paused for a minute’s silence to honour the mother of long-serving Pride manager Darryl Christensen.

Robina passed away on September 11 with Darryl away supporting his family during a difficult time.

Before joining Pride when the senior team was formed in 2013, Darryl worked with the Knights, also fulfilling vital support roles.

Knights head coach Ogden said it was important to pay tribute to Darryl’s mum.

“I’ve known Darryl and (wife) Kay for a number and number of years,’’ Ogden said.

“Kay actually worked with my wife (in various committee roles).

“Darryl was a good club man at the Knights and moved over here when they became NPL (National Premier Leagues) and he has done a great job for them.

“It’s very hard to find people like Darryl to just do tireless, tireless work and he is appreciated by a lot of people.

“It was a good way to pay the respects. He’s a good guy.’’