It was the week before the season and all through the club not a player was available, not even the twins! That was the story as KPR entertained Bayside in the Premier Cup round 2 clash at Raymond park. With KPR missing 7 starting regulars to their team and opting to bench 3 more it promised to be a entertaining match to begin our rivalry.

The begun at a franetic pace with Bayside having the upper hand creating many chances only to be foiled by some resilient and brutal KPR tackling. Jullien Mc Namee in particular was taking no prisoners in this clash. Their pressure eventually paid off with a rubbish goal taking Bayside to the lead 1-0...

KPR rallied and had some great chance of their own but poor finishing in the absence of Kieron O'Connor and Josh O'Grady let the side down. Shortly after another burst from the midfield gave Bayside a seccond goal from an eventual corner which can only be described as scrappy at best. ONce again this proved how much our midfield misses Luke Martin, Danny Gowans and Pauric O'Toole who would never have let them through without at least a sneaky kick or elbow......

Bayside made their first half pressure pay with a third own goal by KPR defnnder Connor Chapman, who along with Mc Namee and Lachlan Stephensen proved they could easily step up when required. 3-0 Bayside @ half time. The half time speech from head coach Con Tharenou lifted the boys and they showed good fight in the half with Johnny Souvlaki playing a great half to hold the visitors scoreless. Not even the introduction of last years golden boot runner up and former KPR player..... who is not worth a mention.... could make any impact with fellow substitute Piers Euler snuffing out any chances. Special mention to the returning Kenny Dowdall and Jack Thomas who both put in good shifts.

All in all with a almost full strength Bayside on display and a very under strength KPR holding their own it promises to be a classic match next weekend to open the season at Raymond Park at 4pm. So come down for cheap Corona, delicious Souvlaki and see your stars like Billett, Verschoyle, Euler, O'toole, Martin, Gowans, O'Grady and O'Connor start the season off with a resounding KPR victory 3-1.

Lets hear " We are the Boys From Piney......" All year long!!!

Reserves vs Bayside k/o 2pm Raymond Park Saturday March 6 followed by the firsts @ 4pm k/o