Thunder strikes up club record in win

South West Queensland Thunder set club record in win over Redlands.

MIDFIELD MAESTRO: South West Queensland Thunder midfielder Kimba Kibombo (left) beats his Redlands United opponent during their NPLQ men's game at Clive Berghofer Stadium on Saturday. Kibombo scored two goals in the Thunder's 8-1 win. Picture: Kevin Farmer

FOOTBALL: Down a goal inside five minutes - all signs pointed to another dissappointing night for the South West Queensland Thunder on Saturday.

The home side however slowly took control of the game before drawing level in the 35th minute and then going on to win the game.

Playing host to Redlands United, the Thunder's 8-1 victory is the largest in the club's history.

Small defensive lapses have hurt the Thunder this season and another error proved costly against Redlands.

Raphael Ngoyi opened the scoring for Redlands after the Thunder failed to clear their lines - what followed though was a dominant and passionate performance from the home team.

Thunder midfielder Kimba Kibombo provided a constant threat down the right and was delighted with his side's win.

"We've been wanting this win for a long time - it definitely means a lot for us," Kibombo said.

"It's going to boost our confidence.

"I think the difference tonight was in the changing rooms we said we had to lift we knew that, we had to stand up and get the job done.

"That's what got us the win tonight."

In a sign of exactly what the win meant for the team - Kibombo celebrated his first goal by leaping onto the Clive Berghofer Stadium fence - acknowledging the crowd during his celebration.

"I've been at this club for five seasons now," he said.

"I love this club, this club is my home. Every goal means a lot to me, a lot to the boys, a lot to the club and to the fans."

Thunder strike

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THE GOALS: 3rd minute: Redlands Raphael Ngoyi opens the scoring his well struck shot from outside the box beating Thunder keeper Mat Eilers 1-0.

35th: Keanu Tuart draws the Thunder level heading home Shota Aizawa's free kick at the back post 1-1. 38th: Redlands keeper Jack Richards gets a hand to Wade Hall's shot but is unable to prevent a goal 2-1 Thunder. 41st: Anthony Grant beats three defenders with a jinking run to score 3-1. 43rd: Breaking down the right wing Kimba Kibombo rifles home his shot from an acute angle 4-1. Half-time: 4-1 Thunder. 48th: After Redlands keeper Jack Richards tips a header onto his crossbar Wade Hall tucks the ball away from close range in the follow up play 5-1. 60th: Latching onto a good through ball Anthony Grant turns his defender inside out before scoring 6-1. 62nd: Controlling a cross on his chest Kimba Kibombo turns on his defender before sliding the ball home 7-1. 79th: The Thunder capitalise on an error from Redlands keeper Jack Richards. Wade Hall squares the ball to Shota Aizawa who scores after Richards fell over while attempting to control a back pass 8-1.

Originally published as Thunder strikes up club record in win