Milkins’ coaching success with the Knights

REGARDLESS of finals results, it has been a terrific season for the Leongatha Knights Football Club, with the senior men’s and women’s teams topping the Gippsland Soccer League table, guided by the coaching of Beth and Peter Milkins.

Beth is in charge of the men’s side, while dad Peter coaches the women.

Although Peter was an Aussie Rules man in his playing days, proudly wearing the Dalyston jumper, and never played soccer, he developed a love of the round ball game watching Beth represent the Knights.

She came to the game late, aged 22, because her best friend captained the team, and quickly developed a passion for the sport.

When her coaching allows, with Beth also in charge of the men’s reserves, she still plays in the women’s side, so is well qualified to comment on her father’s coaching approach.

“He’s very calm,” she said, explaining that is important with soccer being a game that often sparks a lot of emotion.

Asked if she is a more fiery coach than her dad, Beth responds, “I’m definitely passionate”.

However, that passion is controlled, with the coach determined to foster a culture of respect among her players.

“If they misbehave, they’re taken straight off,” Beth said. 

Peter identified clear communication as the key to successful coaching.

“As long as you do that honestly and respectfully it usually sits pretty well with most of the people who are listening,” he said.

Delivering a consistent message is also important, Peter explained.

He is conscious of ensuring his team respect themselves and their opponents.

While Beth was appointed to coach the men in 2020, she had to wait until this year to experience a full season, with her first season in charge wiped out and last year’s halted halfway through.

She’s been representing the Knights onfield for a decade, starting coaching six years ago, and since earning coaching accreditation through the Australian Football Association.

“Someone suggested I should put it to some use and have a go at coaching the senior men,” Beth said of what has proved to be a successful move.

With her reserves also playing finals, Beth was unable to take the field on Sunday in the women’s semi final clash with the Drouin Dragons, but said the side has the luxury of a good substitute goalkeeper to take her spot.

While Beth has played exclusively as a goalkeeper this season, she has been an outfield player as well previously, no doubt providing her with a well-rounded perspective of the different roles that she can draw on as a coach.

Peter enjoyed grand final success during a previous period of coaching Leongatha’s women’s side, lifting the cup in 2017.

Leongatha’s women’s side was beaten just once onfield during the regular season, losing one other match when forced to forfeit due to ground condition, while the men lost just once.

Both the Milkins praised the efforts of their players to finish on top of the ladder, saying they worked very hard to achieve that outcome.

While the outcome of most of the world’s soccer competitions hinges on the number of points accumulated for wins and draws during the season, the Australian focus on concluding with a finals series adds an extra element of excitement.

Leongatha Knights put on strong performance for semi-finals

Reserves: LKFC v Drouin

IT WAS a tense match between ladder top Drouin and 4th place Leongatha in the first elimination semi-final. 

Drouin started strong with a corner kick leading to a goal in the first 15 minutes. Leongatha settled and began pressing back. 

In some excellent combination play they had several chances across the game, but were unable to convert. 

Late in the game a foul in the box saw keeper Chris Gale perform a magnificent penalty save to roaring applause. 

Reserves: 0 v Drouin: 1

Women: LKFC v Drouin

Finishing league champions for the 2022 season, Leongatha looked strong heading into the elimination final against fourth place Drouin. 

An early hand ball foul in the box saw striker Kathy Zacharopoulos convert a penalty putting LKFC on the scoring sheet early. 

LKFC played a strong game with standout performances from all to finish with an 8-0 win. Congratulation to the Lady Knights on a magnificent season and good luck for the grand final on September 18. 

Women: 8 v Drouin: 0

Senior Men: LKFC v Trafalgar 

Finishing league champions for the 2022 season, the LKFC senior men were well positioned for a strong game against opponents Trafalgar in the elimination semi-final. 

An early goal from the opponent’s striker saw LKFC down 1-0 for the first half. 

The second half saw Trafalgar convert their rare chances in the box leading 3-0. 

Despite being rattled by the score, Leongatha dug deep and dominated with possession making attempt after attempt on goal. 

Goalkeeper Charlie Dougherty made a magnificent penalty save to a thunder of applause. Unfortunately, they were unable to find the back of the box despite a number of close calls. Congratulations to LKFC for a stellar season and finishing League Champions for 2022.  

Under 17 girls: LKFC v Drouin

It was a big game for the LKFC Under 17 Girls team who finished League Champions. 

With Drouin taking the lead it was Leongatha’s Lily McKenzie who scored the equaliser sending both teams to penalties. 

LKFC’s goalkeeper Maddi Herbert was magnificent in goals seeing Leongatha win on penalties 3-1. Congratulations team and best of luck in the grand final. 

Under 17 Girls: 1 v Drouin 1 (LKFC winning penalties 3/5 to Drouin 1/5)