FOOTBALL IS BACK AND IT’S SHARKS V KNIGHTS!
The Melbourne Knights kick off their 2021 NPL Victoria campaign against the Port Melbourne Sharks at the JL Murphy reserve on Friday, February 26 at 7:45PM.
We all know the story. The 2020’s NPL Victoria season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the competition to a halt after just five matches.
Port Melbourne then finished the uncompleted 2020 NPL Victoria season in sixth, with two wins and three draws. But it’s been a long time between drinks.
The last time the Knights faced the Sharks, they played out a brutal 1-1 draw in opening round of the 2020 season, with Mathew Breeze of the Knights collecting a red card just before half-time. Despite the deficit, the Knights went onto score with 10 men in the 69th minute. Unluckily for the club, the Sharks secured an equalising goal within the final 10 minutes, which saw the clubs share the spoils. And scene.
It’s a new year and a refreshed squad. The Knights will be aiming to start the season off with a bang, after an inspiring pre-season. During the pre-season period the Knights were able to generate competitive results, as well as making a number of signings.
Across four pre-season matches we saw two wins, one draw and a loss. Impressive wins included a 4-1 win against Heidelberg United and a 2-0 win against the Oakleigh Cannons, showing glimpses of the talent in the squad.
Over the summer, the squad was presented with some new arrivals. The return of Ayden Brice was among the welcomed inclusions of Trevor Ssemakula, Alun Webb, Daniel Petrov, Lachlan Weier, Thomas Manos, Mohammed Sumaoro and lastly, Trevor Zwetsloot.
It’s an exciting time of the year and Knights fans will no doubt head to JL Murphy to show their support in droves for a side they haven’t witness play competitive football in 348 days. That’s all set to change tomorrow night. We look forward to seeing you there, Knights fans!
Melbourne Knights Squad:
21- Thomas Manos, 99- Harry Cakarun, 2- Jack Marth, 3- Lachlan Weier, 4- Nikola Jurkovic, 5- Ayden Brice, 6- Anthony Duzel ,7- Mathew Breeze, 8- James McGarry, 9- Alun Webb, 10- Gian Albano, 11- Caleb Mikulic, 12- Ivan Grgic, 13- Daniel Petrov, 14- Trevor Zwetsloot, 15- Felipe Sanchez, 16- Mohammed Sumaoro, 17- Trevor Ssemakula, 18- Dante Karlusic, 19- Nicholas Glavan, 22- Lucas Cuschieri, 23- Joseph Colina
Port Melbourne SC Squad:
Yet to be announced
2021 NPL Vic Round 1 – Port Melbourne SC v Melbourne Knights FC
Date: Friday, February 26th
Time: 7:45PM (AEDT)
Venue: JL Murphy Reserve, Port Melbourne
Where to watch: Facebook & YouTube via livestream
– Tom Hayes