A lone strike from Andrew Barisic was enough to decide a keenly contested Foxtel Cup match at Knights Stadium.

A large bi-partisan crowd was treated to a superb exhibition of free flowing attacking football from the onset, both teams displaying extroverted offensive play throughout the 90 minutes of play of a thoroughly absorbing contest.

Although play ebbed and flowed from end to end throughout the opening 35 minutes, neither keeper was fully tested.

Brilliant play from Preston’s Les Anastasiou and Knights stalwart Steve Iosifidis keeping their respective keepers happy throughout.

As half time was approaching, Preston looked the most likely to open the scoring.

A superlative ball from Johnny Sapazovski released 14 into an acre of space, his well struck shot brilliantly denied by the quick reflexes of the Knights custodian.

Indeed this would be the final play of an entertaining first half.

Following the resumption of play, it was again the Lion’s looking the more threatening.

On 50 minutes the Lions lashed a shot into the back of the net, his celebrations quickly curtailed however by the linesman flag.

The disallowed goal seemed to temporarily deflate the Lion’s and the Knights were quick to cash in on a rare lapse in tempo from Preston.

Good lead up play thru the middle of the park from the Knights midfielders eventually culminated in Pelikan striking a shot from 18 yards.

His deflected shot fortuitously found its way into the path of Barisic, his predatory instincts at the fore as he stroked home a shot from six yards to past Lupce Aceski to establish a 1-0 lead.

From the kick off Preston undeterred, continued to surge forward.

Strong play in the middle of the park from Nicholas Schwal saw him wrest possession of the ball. The build up was to no avail.

Just 60 seconds later, Sapazovski tried is luck from 30 yards, his bullet strike denied by an amazing acrobatic save from the Knights keeper.

Just 10 minutes later it would be Acevski’s turn to strut his stuff between the sticks.

Firstly a blinding save from point blank range denied Barisic his brace, five minutes later Pelikan was left wondering how his sharp shot on the turn was denied.

As the clock ticked down towards full time, neither team showed any signs of fatigue, Preston searching for a late equaliser, Knights still looking for a second goal to kill off the match.

The Knights were unlucky not to find the elusive goal in the 78th minute.

Fine play from Barisic released Pelikan down the right flank.

His low cross across the edge of the six yard box was met but the time shot flashed past the far post.

Having dodged a bullet, Preston surged forward looking for a late equaliser.

Sapazovski again the man on the spot, finding space inside the penalty box.

However it would again be the heroics of the Knights keeper to deny the Lions.

Sapazovski thunderous drive well saved by the keeper, ensuring a clean sheet and all three points for the Knights as they continue to lead the chase for the minor premiership.