Western Pride aiming higher after gritty semi-final loss to champions

The fight Western Pride displayed in their 3-2 semi-final loss to Brisbane City proved they can be a force in next year’s Football Queensland Premier League 1 competition if the players return.

Western Pride wrapped up a progressive season with reputation intact and a pledge to keep the team together for another National Premier Leagues quest.

The fight Pride displayed in their 3-2 semi-final loss to Brisbane City proved they can be a force in next year’s Football Queensland Premier League 1 competition if the players return.

Against an unbeaten team that only conceded 12 goals from 20 regular season matches, Pride were the one opponent that pushed Brisbane City to find something special in all three encounters this year.

After 2-1 and 2-0 losses in earlier games, fourth-placed Pride headed into Saturday night’s semi-final as the team City most wanted to avoid.

Pride again gave the home side another mighty fright, even scoring a late goal from the acrobatic Wil Asante to cause some final anxious moments.

Western Pride goal scorer Wil Asante posed an ongoing threat to Brisbane City in the semi-final. Picture: Kerryn Hyett

Asante was a constant threat the entire game, making several damaging runs but often ending up on the turf after being tackled.

He was unlucky not to score at a crucial stage in the second half when he evaded a number of defenders almost taking the ball to the goalpost before it was deflected.

After watching his team come from 1-0 down to equalise in the second half, Pride head coach Brian Hastings was upbeat about what his team could achieve aiming for a top two spot next season.

With Brisbane City returning to the NPL and out of the way, Pride can refocus on their goal to win promotion next year.

“The year has been very encouraging,’’ Hastings said, keen to keep coaching a rebuilt team that delivered so much.

“We started out with more seasoned players and the young boys have come on really well.

“One thing I saw tonight was heart.

“We didn’t get phased. We weren’t overawed by their talent, the side they had.’’

Western Pride head coach Brian Hastings.

While Hastings knows his team has plenty to build on, he left Brisbane City’s Newmarket home base satisfied with the commitment Pride displayed.

“We’ll sit down and reflect on a very good season. I think we done quite well and hopefully it get better from here,’’ he said.

Hastings was particularly excited about giving the club’s youth talent vital roles next season.

Among the skilful under-23 players thriving in higher level football are Asobasi Wilberforce, Daniel Kovacevic, Greer Schreiber, Patient Lukonga and goalkeeper Ashton Bonsall.

Western Pride goalkeeper Ashton Bonsall was recognised as clubman of the year. Picture: Christina Moran

“To me, Ashton has been the clubman of the year,’’ Hastings said.

“What that boy has done for us is incredible.’’

Bonsall and another rising teenager Josh Boyle stepped up when experienced custodian Jake Reesby suffered a knee injury early in the season and couldn’t return.

“Even though our goalkeepers are young, we’ve been very lucky to have young quality goalkeepers,’’ the coach said.

“We’ll work from there and go forward.’’

Loyal Western Pride fans watch anxiously as their team battle hard in the Football Queensland Premier League 1 semi-final against Brisbane City. Picture: David Lems

Hastings said one of the main lessons from the year was the age-old challenge of netting more goals at key times.

Pride had multiple corners on Saturday night but were unable to convert.

However, a superb free kick from captain Killian Flavin created the equaliser that Byron McLeod played a bit part in sending the ball from the goalmouth into the net.

“We’re learning all the time,’’ Hastings said.

“If we can sure up two or three positions, watch out.’’

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