A SECOND-HALF BRACE FROM MITCH HORE SAW OUR LIONS MEN DEFEAT THE GOLD COAST KNIGHTS 3-1 AT LUXURY PAINTS STADIUM
Another highly anticipated and must-win clash between last year’s Premiers and Champions delivered early-stage patterns and passes, much like the opening moves of a chess match. Both sides looked to establish their respective styles, building out from the back and testing the waters in the opposition half.
Our first promising chance fell after the tenth minute, with Luke Broderick controlling a Joe Duckworth freekick on his chest, before turning and firing a volley into the first man. We won several corners as we continued to create opportunities in the final third, but struggled to unlock a clear sight on goal.
On the verge of half-time, Jack Skinner arrived at the back post to deliver a momentum-lifting opening goal as we capitalised at last to find the breakthrough!
45′ | 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐀𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐋!!!
Jack Skinner plants a piercing header across the keeper with sharp authority to break the deadlock 🔥🗡
𝐋𝐈𝐎 1 – 0 𝐆𝐂𝐊#HeartPridePassion | #NPLQLD
— Lions F.C. (@lionsfc1) May 30, 2025
The second half commenced, and our Lions Men started quickly and fiercely. Joe Duckworth made a penetrating run, but Jack Skinner’s close-range effort was saved desperately!
Alex Fiechtner broke free on the counter, but the keeper made a vital save to palm his shot out for a corner. Our Lions Men were in the ascendency, but our dominance was shattered as the visitors clawed a goal back on the hour mark. 1-1 with thirty minutes remaining. A must-win clash after last weekend’s intense draw against Peninsula Power.
We maintained our focus and discipline, and as he did last week in the final minutes, Mitch Hore found a crucial goal from the bench to flip our fortunes! We forced an error from the keeper, and our super-sub made no mistake.
74′ | 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐀𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐋!!!
Mitch Hore finds the back of the net to put as ahead, after our attack puts pressure on the keeper!𝐋𝐈𝐎 2 – 1 𝐆𝐂𝐊#HeartPridePassion | #NPLQLD
— Lions F.C. (@lionsfc1) May 30, 2025
A one goal lead is never safe, so to avenge our 3-1 opening round defeat in Carrara, Mitch Hore popped up again to give us the same advantage. Breaking away from the defence with a beautiful run down the left channel, Mitch drove towards the keeper before calmly slotting the ball across him and into the bottom right corner. An 89th-minute goal to seal a vital victory!
88′ | 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐎𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐋𝐋𝐋!!!
Mitch Hore breaks from the defence with a beautiful run, and sends the ball from the left of the box. He makes it a brace for himself as his shot finds the net!𝐋𝐈𝐎 3 – 1 𝐆𝐂𝐊#HeartPridePassion | #NPLQLD
— Lions F.C. (@lionsfc1) May 30, 2025
Congratulations to Darren Sime and the boys on a powerful result at home. A necessary win as pressure mounts at the top of the table, and the boys braved the heat with composure and character.
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Men Round 12
Lions FC 3 – 1 Gold Coast Knights
Luxury Paints Stadium
