The Gold Coast Knights have kicked off their championships defence in fine fashion with a 2-1 win over the Brisbane Strikers

The Gold Coast Knights have conjured a great escape on the back of a Jarrod Kyle goal in the 84th minute, defeating the Brisbane Strikers 2-1 on Tuesday night at Perry Park.

THE Gold Coast Knights have conjured a great escape on the back of a Jarrod Kyle goal in the 84th minute, defeating the Brisbane Strikers 2-1 on Tuesday night at Perry Park.

The Gold Coast Knights pictured after their 3-1 defeat of Olympic. Picture: East End Digital

In what marked their second NPL game in just three days, Knights coach Grae Piddick said he was proud of his team for overcoming challenging circumstances to kick off their 2020 championship defence in perfect fashion.

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“You could tell they only played a few days ago and there was a bit of fatigue in the legs but it was great for them to come out of the other side of that with a victory,” he said.

“You never want to leave it that late.

“In the second half, we were generally very dominant but they were also dangerous when they were in possession but I thought we got better as the game went on.”

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Captain Mitch Nichols was named man of the match following another fine performance where he played as a deep midfielder following news Danny Morton suffered a fractured toe in the Knights win over Olympic FC on Saturday.

“He does everything that’s required and more,” Piddick said.

“They’re able to do the job wherever they are on the pitch which is a good sign for the team.”

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Piddick also said he was impressed with debutant and The Southport School graduate Ewan MacLeod who featured off the bench late in the game after biding his time in the Knights youth squad.

“I had no hesitation throwing him in at the end when it really mattered and he did his job,” Piddick said.

The Knights continue their NPL season this Saturday night against Redlands United.