Melbourne Knights FC Official Website Melbourne Knights are all set for a blockbuster clash against South Melbourne in the Original Melbourne Derby at Lakeside Stadium on Monday night.
Just days after both sides were amongst an array of clubs from around the country to submit formal applications for Football Australia’s National Second Division the two historical giants of the Australian game go head-to-head for what could be one of the last times at NPL Victoria level.
Both sides comes into Monday’s Round 3 clash unbeaten so far from this season’s NPL Victoria action with South Melbourne top of the table with six points following victories over Moreland City and Green Gully.
Meanwhile, Ben Cahn’s Knights have picked up a pair of draws against St Albans in the Croatian derby and defending Champions Oakleigh Cannons.
Gevaro Nepomuceno’s stunning second half free-kick that secured a share of the spoils against Oakleigh underlined the Curacao international’s ability to get the crowd off their feet and joins Ivan Franjic’s goal on his return to the club as the standout moments of the season so far.
Monday’s match will be the 16th meeting between the two sides at NPL Victoria level with South having taken 10 wins, Knights four, with the two sides having played out just a solitary draw.
Knights did come out on top in the most recent clash between the two sides thanks to Gian Albano’s last minute winner at Somers Street.
Melbourne Knights midfielder, Luka Kolic who earned a spot in the NPL Victoria Team of the Week alongside Chris Oldfield following an impressive display in last week’s draw against Oakleigh said his side couldn’t wait to get stuck into the derby.
“There’s nothing better than the lead up to the OG Melbourne derby. From watching as a fan to now playing in it, it’s a dream come true. The boys are pumped and can’t wait to get out there and put on a show,” Kolic said.
Kick off in Monday’s match has been pushed back to 8:15pm to allow supporters extra time to get to the match with a big turnout expected.
For those unable to get to Lakeside Stadium, Monday’s match will also be live streamed on NPL.TV.
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Victoria 2023 – Round 3: South Melbourne v Melbourne Knights
Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park
Monday, 6 March (8:15pm KO)