Melbourne Knights FC Official Website The Melbourne Knights will face newly-crowned 2021 Premiers – the Oakleigh Cannons, in their bid to keep their season alive tonight.
Last week, the Knights suffered an heartbreaking defeat, going down to the Dandenong Thunder 2-1. After a slow start, the Knights climbed their way back into the encounter. A 90th minute penalty to the Thunder gave them the three points, after Dylan Murnane’s first Knights’ goal had us on track for a point in the dying stages.
Oakleigh also endured a defeat, losing to the Bentleigh Greens 3-2. The Cannons trailed 1-0 at the half and with 30 minutes to go before the final whistle, the deficit was doubled. Oakleigh managed to get on the board soon after, but the Greens extended away once again despite a late consolation from Joe Guest.
Round 24 is set to be pivotal for both sides this week. The Melbourne Knights – currently ninth – are 11 points from the sixth-placed Avondale, with four games remaining. A win is duly needed, alongside some favourable results in order to keep their finals hopes alive. For the Cannons, Even with a win tonight, their premiership hopes lie in the hands of South Melbourne, who – with win over the third-placed Sharks – could top the league and clinch the minor premiership this weekend.
When these sides last faced in the league, the Cannons were triumphant in a 2-1 win. The Knights were succumbed to another slow start, as Oakleigh scored twice in the opening seven minutes. Gian Albano pulled one back at the half hour mark, but that was all she wrote.
The Knights have had a tough week, as they announced the instant departure of head coach Steve Bebic, along with some supporting coaching staff. The Knights will be led by caretaker coach and former club captain, Ben Surey.
Oakleigh on the other hand, have a plethora of players to be cautious of, more importantly in attack. Wade Dekker sits second in the golden boot race with 14 goals. Joseph Knowles and Joe Guest also have notched up double figures this season – 11 and 10 respectively.
Make sure to show the boys some support after what has been a tough week. The Knights still have a sniff of finals hopes, so make sure to get behind them.
Melbourne Knights FC:
Squad: 1- Harry Cakarun (GK), 2- Jack Marth, 3- Taylor Schrijvers, 4- Theiry Iradukunda, 5- Ayden Brice (C), 6- Anthony Duzel, 7- George Ott, 10- Gian Albano, 11- Justin Micallef, 15 – Dylan Murnane, 16- Mohammad Sumaoro, 17- Trevor Ssemakula, 18- Jack Morton, 19- Luka Kolic, 21- Thomas Manos (GK), 23- Steve Sokol, 24- Ivan Miletic
Caretaker Coach: Ben Surey
Oakleigh Cannons FC:
Squad: 1- Nick Feely (GK), 5- Oskar Dillon, 6- Jacob Eliopoulos, 7- Scott Lochhead, 8- Tyson Holmes, 10- Joe Guest, 11- Wade Dekker, 13- Hamish Millar, 14- Aryn Williams, 16- Nick Niagioran, 18- Matt Thurtell, 19- Oliver Kubilay, 20- Daniel Clark, 23- Matthew Foschini, 24- Chris Lucas, 28- Joe Knowles, 31- Lachlan Hart (GK)
Head Coach: Chris Taylor
2022 NPL Victoria Round 24 – Oakleigh Cannons v Melbourne Knights FC
Date: Friday, July 29
Kick-off: 8:30PM (AEST)
Venue: Jack Edwards Reserve, Oakleigh
Where to watch: Livestream via NPL TV