Gold Coast Knights goalkeeper Tim Allen finding top form after being elevated to starting NPL XI

A REJUVENATED Tim Allen has hailed the Gold Coast Knights for helping rediscover his best form as his battle with Josh Langdon for the NPL goalkeeping role continues.

A REJUVENATED Tim Allen has hailed the Gold Coast Knights for helping rediscover his best form as his battle with Josh Langdon for the NPL goalkeeping role continues.

Kept on the bench for the first seven rounds, former Brisbane City skipper Allen was strong in a 2-0 win over Moreton Bay in Round 8 before earning man of the match honours in last week’s crucial 1-0 triumph over Lions.

With a trip to Easts’ Heath Park now looming at 7pm tomorrow, Allen said the Knights coaching staff, led by coach Grae Piddick, had him primed for a third-straight clean sheet.

“There’s been so many people who have helped me settle into the club really easily,” the 26-year-old said.

‘WE’RE A LITTLE BIT TIRED OF BEING OVERLOOKED’ - PODCAST

“We get prepared by the coaching staff so well, we know what’s coming (each game). We had a good idea what was coming (against Lions) and I’m sure it will be the same for the rest of the season.

“It’s been a long time since I played a game like (last week), so I’m happy.”

Noting Langdon had done nothing wrong to be demoted, Piddick said Allen’s aerial prowess won him the nod for the second-placed Knights against Moreton Bay.

Gold Coast Knights goalkeeper Tim Allen. Picture: East End Digital

“When you make changes, you’re never sure if they’re going to come off and we made some changes in the last couple of weeks and they’ve come off for us with a couple of clean sheets,” Piddick said.

“We knew in the last two games the way both teams play, Moreton Bay and Lions. Their huge threat from crosses and balls in the box and set pieces is unbelievable.

“We knew that Tim would be able to combat that and he’s done a great job and helped us get the win (against Lions). The boys who didn’t start probably didn’t deserve to not start but it’s just the situation that caused those decisions.

CONNOR NOT GIVING UP NPL HOPE

“They copped it on the chin and they will grow from that.”

Sitting fifth and coming off a 4-0 thrashing of Mackay and Whitsundays, Gold Coast United host battling Western Pride at 5pm tomorrow.

United’s women will tackle The Gap at 4pm on Sunday, with a Surfsiders victory to narrow the deficit between the fourth and fifth-placed teams to two points.