KPS SEMI-FINAL: Lions Conquer Knights

OUR LIONS MEN PROGRESS TO THEIR FIRST KAPPA PRO SERIES GRAND FINAL AFTER A REMARKABLE COMEBACK AGAINST THE KNIGHTS

Alex Fiechtner scored twice in a courageous 4-2 victory that saw our Lions succeed in an epic second half at the Croatian Sports Centre.

Our Lions Men kicked off the Semi-Final clad in their Dutch-patterned blue Australia Cup kit. We started with clear hunger, energy, and intent and justly broke the deadlock within the opening ten minutes.

Driving down the centre with relentless pace, Alex Fiechtner stroked a brilliant left-footed effort across the keeper and into the bottom right corner.

Despite an excellent start, the hosts restored parity in the eleventh minute. After wrong-footing Hassan Ramazani, Joel Russel was brought down inside the box by Alwin Komolong. Russel made no mistake from the penalty spot.

With our momentum stung, the Knights began to dominate the space in behind, catching us exposed with sharp long balls over our centrebacks. A quick release down the centre allowed the Knights to pull level with a tidy finish over Cardiff Pond.

We reacted strongly, maintaining control over the ball as we attempted to pick the lock in the Knights firm defence. James Enticknap had a powerful effort blocked before a tidy move from Jack Skinner was headed clear.

In our own half, Hassan Ramazani made a crucial sliding recovery and a calm pass to ease the danger after a sharp cross from the hosts managed to ricochet behind Cardiff Pond.

Our Lions Men continued to push, but the half-time whistle sent us into the break 2-1 down.

We started the second half with renewed intent. A powerful half-volley flashed wide from Luke Broderick acted as a warning shot.

Amidst a series of fouls in our favour, our Lions Men continued to attack with ruthless directness. Andy Pengelly poked home at the near post to make it 2-2 after a clever freekick near the corner flag.

The pressure didn’t subside, and our Lions Men forced themselves ahead five minutes later in a period of complete dominance. A fine cross met Luke Broderick at the back post, and he rose with authority to head it into the bottom right corner!

We continued to build momentum, doubling our advantage with twenty minutes remaining. Jack Skinner surged up the field with outstanding dynamism, releasing Alex Fiechter on his left. Fiechter rifled a lethal first-time strike into the roof of the net to make it 4-2!

We managed the final stages with grit, courage, and determination to secure the victory.

Our Lions Men now march into their first Kappa Pro Series Grand Final after an incredible effort.