Melbourne Knights FC Official Website 
After a hefty break between games, the Melbourne Knights have returned to winnings ways – defeating Hume City in a thriller – three goals to two.
Melbourne Knights Starting XI
Thomas Manos (GK), Jack Marth, Oliver Zafiridis, Nikola Jurkovic, Ayden Brice (C), Anthony Duzel, James McGarry, Gian Albano, Caleb Mikulic, Felipe Sanchez, Trevor Ssemakula.
Melbourne Knights Substitutes
Harry Cakarun (GK), Alun Webb, Daniel Petrov, Mohammed Sumaoro, Joseph Colina.
A late own goal from the home side was the difference, gifting the Knights all three points at ABD Stadium.
A quick start from the Knights was rewarded, when Albano found the back of the net for the sixth time this season, after just five minutes. A neat piece of play from Sanchez and McGarry allowed Albano to find space – where he received the ball and slotted it past the keeper for the opener.
Soon after, Jurkovic was led to tread water for the remainder of the match, after receiving a booking for an entanglement with Hume’s Bingham. This marks Jurkovic’s fifth citation and will subsequently sit out for this weeks clash against Avondale FC.
Midway through the first half, newcomer Zafiridis doubled the Knights’ lead with his first goal in Knights colours. Teaming up with Sanchez – who was having a stellar match – for a classic a 1-2, Zafiridis dribbled the ball into the box and nutmegged veteran keeper Michael Weier.
Just before the end of the first 45, the Knights were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area. McGarry’s chance met the wall, bringing an end to the first half, the Knights comfortably ahead at the break.
Into the second half, within the matter of six minutes, Hume City had drawn level through Bingham and Dixon.
Bebic utilised his substitutions with Ssemakula and Mikulic replacing Sumaoro and Webb, bringing on some fresh legs, giving the Knights an additional attacking boost in the final 20 minutes.
After Hume’s McWiggin received his second booking of the match, luck seemed to be on the Knights side with Hume City being reduced to ten men. The Knights held a man advantage over their opponents in the dying stages.
Time was ticking and the Knights were staring down the barrel of another draw. With minutes left, one final attack was made before additional time. Lady luck was to smile on the Knights one more time before the final whistle. Webb’s cross into the box connected with Hume’s defender – eventually finding it’s way into the net.
The final whistle was blown, and the Knights walked away as 3-2 winners.
The Melbourne Knights were gifted an important three points in the final moments of the match. The Knights were elevated to fifth in the NPL Victoria standings – five points from the top.
The Knights have a massive fixture in round 18 of the NPL Victoria season. They’ll host the league leaders – Avondale FC, in their return to Somers Street since the COVID-19 break. Stay tuned across all socials for any updates regarding spectators allowances at this weeks upcoming home match.
