Knights given future hope

David Lems | 13th May 2010

IPSWICH Knights coach Billy Livingstone is the first to concede his talent-rich Division 1 side is yet to meet its expectations.

Busy Knights player Alex Weatherby scored the equaliser for his team in Ipswich’s 2-1 Canale Cup victory over Brisbane Athletic on Tuesday night.

IPSWICH Knights coach Billy Livingstone is the first to concede his talent-rich Division 1 side is yet to meet its expectations.

Anchored mid-table after 10 matches, the Knights have showed patches of brilliance in between some ordinary defensive lapses.

It’s crunch time for the team and Livingstone has delivered an ultimatum – win the next few matches against North Star, Queensland Lions and Western Spirit or face a dramatic team reshuffle.

Livingstone, a long-time supporter of youth, is toying with the idea of blooding more youngsters if the Knights’ senior players don’t find consistency.

“We’ll see how we’re sitting at the end of the first round,” he said.

“If we can’t get maximum points (from the next three games), we’re going to have to be realistic about it (not finishing top two). We’ll start looking at the future.”

The Knights’ mentor received another glimpse at the club’s future stocks when a youthful Ipswich side beat Brisbane Athletic 2-1 at Bundamba on Tuesday night.

It was the Knights’ first run in the Canale Cup (formerly Premier Cup) and he was impressed.

“The boys done well and it wasn’t the easiest conditions (a soggy field),” Livingstone said.

“The only player over 21 was Trent Griffiths.

“It was a good quality team.”

Livingstone said players like Lincoln Rule, Alex Weatherby, Alex Jimmink, Joel Munn, Aaron Christensen, Matt Savini, Matt Flick and Justin Smith highlighted the Knights’ healthy situation.

“The future is certainly looking pretty bright at the Knights,” he said. “Unfortunately right now, we’ve not reached our potential.”

Ever-reliable Weatherby scored the Knights’ first goal on Tuesday night after Jorge Aguirre netted for Brisbane Athletic.

Jimmink secured victory with his goal.

Troy Beahan guarded the goals for the Knights after regular Zayne Freiberg withdrew before the match.

http://www.qt.com.au/story/2010/05/13/youngsters-give-knights-future-hope/