Two long range strikes from Kyle Knowles guided Zion to a great 4-0 victory over Rogue Traders. It was an efficient rather than spectacular performance from the Lions, who continue to put leaders Bike Track Cosmos under considerable pressure at the higher regions of the Premiership.
Zion started the game positively. Tommy Powell had several shots at goal, working the keeper with each one. The Rogue's keeper was on good form and kept out Zion's efforts. Then he was left halpless by a sweeping passing move. David Jones received the ball on the right wing, and after exchanging passes with Powell, he crossed the ball to Tony Dain who brilliantly controlled his volley into the net. Defensively Zion were fantastic, with Dain and Knowles giving Traders forwards very little space. Paul Muzzall was also on top form making several top quality saves. As an attacking force they started to link passes together, but at times lacked the final pass, and at other times the finish. The second goal eventually came after a sustained period of pressure. Powell and Jones both had efforts on goal, before a poor clearance was collected by Knowles who then unleashed a great shot into the bottom corner. Zion had fully deserved their half time 2 goal lead.
The Lions fans were in good voice at the start of the second half, hoping Zion would continue to dominate the game. They were not left dissappointed. A neat passing move saw Powell lay the ball to the advanced Knowles, who again replicated the long range accuracy of his first half effort. This time the ball crashed in off the post and gave the Zion players a comfortable 3 goal advantage and the freedom to express themselves further. Minutes later Jones played the ball through for Powell, who deftly flicked the ball over the on-rushing keeper. Several good passing moves again failed to produce more goals in the game with Zion looking to add gloss to the result. Muzzall then excelled in a brief period of Rogue Traders resistence. It was short lived however, and Zion continued to play some good football. The final whistle was welcome relief for the Traders who were second best all over the pitch and were perhaps fortunate not to have conceded more.
Manager Tommy Powell was pleased with his sides resolute performance when he spoke with reporters after the game, "We played well today, we got the job done. Perhaps we could have scored more and could have been more clinical in front of goal, but it was great to get the three points and great to get a clean sheet. We were brilliant defensively today." Star performer Kyle Knowles was delighted with his goals, "I ran through both times and found myself with a shooting opportunity. I've been hitting them like that in training recently, but to connect with the ball how I did for the goals in this match is great. The second one was my favourite, I just gave it everything and smashed it in off the post." Knowles will be hoping to continue his fine form when Zion face Embassy FC next week.
