The Melbourne Knights suffered their first lost to the Altona Magic over the weekend, falling 1-0 away from home.
Following essentially a weeks break from fixtures after their round 11 fixture was postponed, the Knights returned to NPL footballing action full of energy. This week saw the Knights travel south to the home of the Altona Magic at Paisley park. Off the bat, the Knights played conservative football in an attempt to control the game, however, this strategy was short-lived.
The Magic took the lead mid-way through the first half, sending the Knights onto the back foot. Cherif Mohamed Aidara scored the opener for the Magic, firing one past Thomas Manos in goal for his third goal of the season.
Unable to fire one back and end the half on parity, the Knights went into half time with a 1-0 deficit. A re-group was essential to make a second half comeback and have a chance at the points.
Unfortunately for the Knights, as close as they may have gotten, they weren’t able to get on the scoresheet on this occasion with the sole goal from Aidara being the difference separating the two sides.
Following 12 rounds, the Knights have played 11 games. The side currently sit in 10th, however, ever so close to the top six – with only four points separating themselves from 6th placed Bentleigh Greens on 19 points, plus their game in hand.
In round 13, the Knights return home to battle it out against a top four side in Port Melbourne, in a Friday night clash. Catch all the details below Knights fans!
– Tom Hayes