Knox City Fc V Malvern City Sc - Egan Lee Reserve 2/4/2011
Final scores: 3-1 Knox City FC (LOSS)
In the first league game of the season Malvern City defeated Knox City in a fairly even game until the last ten minutes when Malvern scored two goals to win 3-1
The game opened with both teams trying to impose their will on the game until Malvern hit the post in the 6th minute after good lead up play down the left. Ajao on the Knox left wing was causing trouble and following a good passing movement down the left with Missaghi the latters shot was deflected over the goal line. From the resulting corner Valadon shot over the bar.
Going into the last ten minutes of the half both teams pushed for a goal but both team defences held and there was no score at half-time.
Malvern started the started the second half well getting well on top and were in the lead within five minutes of the restart when Paine shot from the left of the penalty area after Knox lost the ball on the half way line and the ball was moved quickly through the centre and onto Paine who shot truly.
The teams were still coming to terms with the new season and both teams were guilty of giving the ball away.
Knox eventually were able to draw level in the 81st minute when having won a corner on the right the ball was cleared out of the penalty area by the Malvern defence but after Valadon was able to recover the ball a centre to the far post was headed back into the goal area by Hawkins to an unmarked Valadon who side footed it home.
In the last ten minutes Malvern gained control and it did not take Malvern long to re-establish their lead as poor defence gave the ball back to Malvern who scored through Green from ten yards in front. Malvern made certain of winning when Knox lost the ball in midfield and the resultant Malvern attack brought a penalty after a Knox defender was guilty of handball. Scott scored from the penalty for a victory that was deserved even if Knox could argue that silly errors let themselves down.
Knox will have to work on their defence to be competitive. Malvern had an encouraging start for a team relegated from Division 1.