2022 NPL Round 18 – Heidelberg v Knights

It’s 7th versus 9th as the Melbourne Knights are back in action this weekend when they take on Heidelberg United tomorrow afternoon.

Following the heartbreaking narrow 2-1 loss to the Bentleigh Greens last week, the Knights will have their eyes set on claiming some points on the road. 

In an effort to rest some legs after the previous weeks fixture burden, the heavily rotated side provided a quick start, but was eventually upended by the end of 90 minutes. Newcomer George Ott struck first for the Knights in the second minute, opening his Knights account. The home side had recovered the deficit by half time and minutes before the final whistle they had claimed all three points. 

Our round 18 opponents endured a tumultuous match against the Oakleigh Cannons last week, eventually winning 3-2. Both sides scored in the first half and Oakleigh looked to double their tally, but the goal was disallowed. Heidelberg shifted the momentum in the second half, scoring twice in quick succession to build a two-goal advantage. A late goal for Oakleigh was not enough to split the points. 

With nine matches remaining in the league before finals, the Knights are five points from the top six. Heidelberg United also sit out of the top six race, therefore plenty is on the line this weekend when the two lock horns. With the transfer window finally open, the Knights have released Anthony Frangie and Fuki Ishibashi and have taken the opportunity to sign Kiwis George Ott and Taylor Schrijvers to the squad as direct replacements, with Ott already quickly finding his feet at the club against Bentleigh. 

The Knights will have to watch out for Heidelberg’s top scorer Kaine Sheppard. The spearhead has nailed 10 goals from 17 matches and sits third on the goal scoring charts this season. Although, Heidelberg will have to be equally aware of Gian Albano who has eight goals in 17 matches, currently fourth on the charts.

Make sure to support the boys as we set our eyes on a feisty Sunday afternoon fixture, that has a lot on the line!

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, 8- James McGarry, 9- Luka Celic, 10- Gian Albano, 11- Justin Micallef, 12- Andy Robertson, 16- Mohammad Sumaoro, 17- Trevor Ssemakula, 18- Jack Morton, 19- Luka Kolic, 21- Thomas Manos (GK), 23- Steve Sokol, 24- Ivan Miletic

Head Coach: Steve Bebic

Heidelberg United FC:

Squad: 1- Brendan White (GK), 4- Mallan Roberts, 5- Ajdin Fetahagic, 6 – Joseph Franjic, 7 Reuben Way (C), 9- Adrian Zahra, 10- Ivan Franjic, 11- Andrew Cartanos, 12 – Dion Nikolaides, 14- Kaine Sheppard, 15- Brain Summerskill, 16- Johnpaul McTheophilus, 17- Josh Pin, 18- Anthony Theodoropulos, 19-Sean Ellis, 20- Luke Ninkovic, 21- Eion Ashton, 22- Domonic Falla, 23- Chudiar Tharjiath, 24- Hussain Al Sharifi, 63- Nick Eres (GK)

Head Coach: George Katsakis

2022 NPL Victoria Round 18 – Heidelberg United FC v Melbourne Knights FC

Date: Sunday, June 19

Kick-off: 3:00PM (AEST)

Venue: Olympic Park, Heidelberg West

Where to watch: Livestream via NPL TV

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