https://youtu.be/RVYP5uZhXxo
A Declan Brown hat-trick has led the Glenorchy Knights to a 5-0 win over Clarence United at KGV on Wednesday Night. Brown opened the scoring in the 24th minute, before Matthew Nowicki doubled the Knights lead just before half time. In the 56th minute it was Brown who extended his sides lead, before Nowicki scored his second in the 70th. Brown then completed his treble with his third goal in the 91st minute, making no mistake from the penalty spot and seeing the Knights run out 5-0 winners.
The game started with the Knights attacking well, with Jake Stuart having an early chance. In the 11th minute Matthew Nowicki found space in the box, before Kane Hatcher picked his pocket, preventing a Knights goal. Just two minutes later and Hatcher was involved again, this time striking the ball straight into the arms of Lachlan Hart.
Glenorchy continued to push for the opener with a number of offsides and corners creating chances, and it didn't take long for the opener to be scored. In the 24th minute Matthew Nowicki found himself through on goal, but his touch on the ball spread the play wide. However, Nowicki managed to cross the ball back into the middle of the box, with Declan Brown striking the ball into the back of the net and putting his side 1-0 up.
Over the next twenty minutes the Knights continued to push for a second, with Stuart, Nowicki and Heggie each striking the ball wide of the goal. In the 43rd minute Rowan Heggie cut inside his defender to win his side a corner. This corner ultimately led to Matthew Nowicki finding himself through on goal, and the Knights number 8 slotted it past Jake French to double the Knights lead just before half time.
As the second half began it was more of the same for the Knights with Alex Bellini showing some superb skill before crossing the ball onto the head of Rowan Heggie, with Heggie's header hitting the post. In the 56th minute Declan Brown produced a superb run before being denied by Jake French. However, it was Brown who would have the last laugh, when just seconds later he put the ball past his opponent and sent the Knights 3-0 up.
The Knights continued to hold possession, creating a number of chances and it wasn't long before Nowicki scored his second. In the 70th minute the Knights were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position and in an attempt to catch French off guard the shot was taken early. However, French pulled off a great save to deny the initial shot. Yet, this save proved not to be enough, with Nowicki pouncing on the rebound and kicking the ball into the back of the net, putting the Knights 4-0 up.
Not long after and Clarence had a good attack, with the Knights defending a good Kanegiesser cross. Thomas Bellini also became involved in the action, hitting the post and crossbar on two separate occasions. However, with the game coming to an end Declan Brown was gifted the chance to score a hat-trick.
It was the 91st minute and Paul Bremner brought down his opponent in the box, resulting in the referee pointing to the spot and producing a straight red card. Declan Brown then stepped up, completing his hat-trick and seeing his side run out 5-0 victors.
Speaking post match Clarence coach Warren Burt was pleased with how his side worked as a team in the first half. He believes his team will continue to improve as the season goes on, citing fitness as something to improve.
Glenorchy coach James Sherman thought his side could have converted more chances if his players were more composed. He believes his side can beat anyone if things go their way, expressing the need for his side to work hard to be successful.
The win is the Knights second of the season whilst Clarence are still looking for their first. Both sides face tough opposition on Saturday with Clarence facing South Hobart, 2:30pm at KGV and Glenorchy taking on Launceston, 4:30pm at Buckby Land Rover Park.
https://youtu.be/e_tlALlwNbE