The Melbourne Knights have secured a point in their quest for finals football, in a 1-1 draw with the St. Albans Saints.
Starting XI: Thomas Manos (GK), Jack Marth, Taylor Schrijvers, Ayden Brice (C), Andy Robertson, Thiery Iradukunda, Luka Kolic, Jack Morton, Gian Albano, George Ott, Trevor Ssemakula
Substitutes: Harry Cakarun (GK), Joseph Colina, Jason Samardzic, Mohamed Sumaoro, Steve Sokol, Will Thompson
With a bumper crowd turning up to Somers St, both sides presented some rushing football in the opening half hour. The Knights had one of their most competitive starts in recent memory and were continually able to press forward, finding frontman George Ott often enough to create a number of chances for the home side.
After 34 minutes, Mohamed Sumaoro was introduced for an injured Gian Albano wand despite the substitution, a fresh breath of attacking flair was introduced to the Knights front three.
Moments before the end of the first half, the Knights struck gold and got themselves on the scoreboard, taking the lead 1-0. Danger-man George Ott moved himself into a one-on-one with Saints goalkeeper Willem Lejeune, after a defensive blunder had him through on goal. He calmly slid the ball past the Lejeune, giving the Knights an important lead before the half.
With an important goal in hand into the second half for the knights, the Saints were able to level the scores 10 minutes into the second half. Adam Hodor’s first goal of the season had the visitors back on level terms. After a thrilling 30 minutes of end to end football, the Knights and Saints shared the spoils.
The Knights now sit in 8th position after the weekends point in hand. With only seven fixtures remaining, the journey to the top six will prove to be a test of resilience for the Knights, with the boys now nine points from the top six.
– Tom Hayes