Melbourne Knights FC Official Website The Melbourne Knights return to NPL Victoria action this weekend, travelling only a few km’s away to take on the St. Albans Saints.
After a full week of football, both clubs have welcomed back league duties after progressing into the fifth round of the Australia Cup.
The Knights endured a back-and-forth battle with State League 1 side Boroondara Eagles, eventually winning 3-2. After what looked like an uncalled handball, the Knights conceded within the opening minute, before drawing level through Atilla Ofli soon after. The Eagles took the lead moments before half time, before a second half charge led by Gian Albano ensured the Knights progression. Two goals to the in-form Albano in the second half granted the Knights a fifth-round entry.
St. Albans progressed to the fifth round in the most convincing fashion, knocking out State League 5 side Melton Phoenix, 7-1 at home. St. Albans took a 3-0 lead into half time, before things turned sour for the visitors. Not only did St. Albans add more goals to their score line, but the Phoenix were reduced to 10 men, moments after claiming a consolation goal.
Back in NPL territory, the two sides sit closely on the NPL Victoria ladder, St. Albans one point clear of the Knights. Although, the mid-section of the ladder is tight, the Knights sit 10th – with six points, the Saints sit in the finals position on 6th – with seven points.
The last time these sides faced, the Saints completed a comeback in front of a home crowd after the Knights took a 1-0 lead into the half, thanks to a Caleb Mikulic strike. The Saints climbed their way back into the match, scoring two second half goals – one being in the 94th minute, to steal the three points. One to watch in the match is former Knights, Nikola Jurkovic, who made the switch the Saints in 2022.
With another massive three points on the line, make sure to travel to Churchill Reserve to show your support for the Knights as they look to climb back into the top six.
Melbourne Knights FC:
Squad: 1- Harry Cakarun (GK), 2- Jack Marth, 3- Fuki Ishibashi, 4- Theiry Iradukunda, 5- Ayden Brice (C), 6- Anthony Duzel, 7- Atilla Ofli, 9- Luka Celic, 10- Gian Albano, 11- Justin Micallef, 12- Andy Robertson, 14- Anthony Frangie, 16- Mohammad Sumaoro, 17- Trevor Ssemakula, 18- Jack Morton, 19- Luka Kolic, 21- Thomas Manos (GK), 23- Steve Sokol, 24- Ivan Miletic, 77- Lionel Masudi
Head Coach: Steve Bebic
St. Albans Saints SC
Squad: 1- Hayden Browne (GK), 2- Hakeem al-Araibi, 3- Chris Dib, 4- Nikola Jurkovic, 5- Adam Hodor, 6- Brad Murray, 7- Mouad Zwed, 8- Stefan Baricevic, 9- Breno Naranjo Guerrini, 10- Zelfy Nazary, 11- Joey Monek, 12- Ivan Razumic, 13- Monty Kristovskis, 14- Luca Toro, 15- Phillip Lesar, 16- Michael Grgic, 17- Anthony Dezic, 18- Diego Miranda Ciudad Real, 19- Steven Razov, 20- Sime Brzoja, 21- Willem Lejeune (GK), 22- Zander Guy, 37- Ante Razov
Head Coach: Kruni Razov
2022 NPL Victoria Round 6 – St. Albans Saints SC v Melbourne Knights FC
Date: Sunday, March 27
Kick-off: 6:00PM (AEST)
Venue: Churchill Reserve, St. Albans
Where to watch: Livestream via NPL TV