NPL R2 Preview – Knights v Magic

After an impressive first round win against the Cannons, the Knights return home to face off against newly promoted Altona Magic SC in round two action at Somers Street.

Round one saw the Knights able to dominate the Cannons in the second half, with Kiwi newcomer Hamish Watson slotting two in behind Honos to seal the deal for the travelling side. Read more on the win here. The striker was in a spot of form in the Friendship Cup and linked to link up well with fellow signings Atilla Ofli and Gian Albano. The win is a step in the right direction in creating the winning mentality that is vital to staying afloat in this competition.

The Magic on the other hand suffered a 1-0 loss to Knights’ neighbour, Green Gully SC, in the opening round of the competition thanks to Alex Salmons 80th minute salvo. Altona Magic, regardless of being freshly promoted, is a club with great pedigree at State Level with five state league titles, with one of them coming from a defeat against the Knights in the 2008 Victorian Premier League Grand Final.

Head to head, the two sides have come face to face a total of 16 times, with the most recent match being the 2018 FFA Cup Round 4 played at Knights Stadium, where the Knights were unceremoniously knocked out of the Cup after the Magic knocked in 4 goals, despite the Knights scoring two of their own. Out of the 16 match ups, the Knights have won 3, drawn 7 and lost 6, giving the Magic the slight statistical advantage. However, matches between the two sides tend to end in draws.

Round two matches for the Knights tend to be hard sought affairs, with the side only winning 39% of their round two matches, drawing 29% and losing 32%. the sides best round two result came in 1979 where Essendon Croatia was able to put 6 past George Cross.

The stage is set for a cracking match at Knights Stadium tonight. The club’s merchandise stand is jam packed, the membership team will be ready to go, beers are cold, the clubroom’s are open for dinner inside and in the beer garden. There is live music organized inside and out – before and after the match – all in anticipation of a bumper crowd of Knights fans.

Magic

Round 2 Match Details

Date: Friday 22nd February 2019

Kick-off: 7:45pm

Venue: Knights Stadium

Team News

Melbourne Knights FC Squad:

  1. Harry Cakarun, 2, Luke Jurcic, 4. Tom Podaridis, 5. Ayden Brice, 6. Tomislav Uskok, 8. Gian Albano, 9. Hamish Watson, 10. Marijan Cvitkovic, 11. Nikola Jurkovic, 12. Corey Sewell, 13. Ivan Grgic, 14. AJ Inia, 15. Adrian Tardio, 16. Marcelo De La Plaza, 19. Anthony Duzel, 20. Jordan Gifkins, 25. Atila Ofli, 27. Joseph Franjic.

Unavaliable

Yutaro Shin – injury

Daniel Visevic – suspended (2 weeks)

Last 5

2018 FFA Cup Rd 4: MKFC 2-4 AMSC

2010 VPL Rd 19: MKFC 2-2 AMSC

2010 VPL Rd 8: AMSC 0-2 MKFC

2009 VPL Rd 22: MKFC 1-1 AMSC

2009 VPL Rd 11: AMSC 2-1 MKFC

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