Thunder takes top spot on FQPL ladder with key win
FOOTBALL: Direct, focused, attacking football is paying dividends for the South West Queensland Thunder.
Unbeaten in their past eight matches, the Thunder beat Mitchelton 2-0 at the weekend to record their seventh win in that same stretch.
Striker Joseph Scott opened the scoring on the half-hour mark after Brady Mason found him with an inch perfect pass.
Scott’s first time strike, which left Mitchleton goalkeeper Jake Clancy stranded, found the bottom corner.
Mitchleton pushed forward in search of equaliser after the halftime, but it was the away team that scored again.
Jackson Franke’s goal in the 77th minute almost perfectly sums up Thunder coach Ivor Prasad’s footballing focus.
Prasad favours a direct, attacking style of football, and he recognises the impact a good substitute can have on a game.
Franke, who came on at the hour mark, scored from close range and fellow sub Pasquale De Vita played a key role.
Winning the ball in his own half De Vita (pictured) played a through ball to Franke who found striker Brodie Welch.
After drawing in a number of defenders, Welch found Franke in space and the midfielder calmly finished.
“Our second goal was a great example of the football we want to play as a team,” Prasad said.
“One touch, direct and narrow, we want to secure it (the ball) quickly and play it quickly so the opposition don’t have to time to compose themselves.
“We are blessed to have such great depth in the side.
“We can go to our bench and the players we bring on can inspire those around them.
“The whole team has a great attitude.”