Melbourne Knights FC Official Website The Melbourne Knights are back on the road this week to take on Heidelberg United in a Sunday afternoon clash.
Following last week’s disappointing result against Avondale FC, the Knights dropped a single place to sixth on the NPL ladder. In their first home match since lockdown began, the Knights unfortunately couldn’t welcome the fans back with a win. The result was not wanted; however, the Knights still remain in the top six and looking to seal a finals berth.
Heidelberg’s surprising loss to Dandenong City last week also saw them drop down the standings, into fourth. Their evening didn’t start as planned, going 2-nil down within the opening six minutes – trailing three goals to one at the half. The second half saw them concede once again, before scoring twice in additional time to display an admiral 4-3 score line. Despite the upset, the win was favourable for the Knights, keeping the Bergers within firing distance.
The last time these sides faced was in round six earlier in the year, where Heidelberg claimed all three points at Knights Stadium in a back-and-forth encounter. Both sides relished their fair share of possession and chances, but it was Heidelberg who had the chance that counted – an 82nd minute winner from Sean Ellis was all that separated the sides.
In their last 13 meetings in the NPL Victoria competition, the Melbourne Knights have only won once – in the 2015 season. Since the 2014 season, the Knights have won once, drawn twice and lost to Heidelberg ten times.
Despite their high ladder standing, the Bergers’ games have more or less been low scoring games, with Dusan Bosnjak leading the charge in goals with three to his name. The Knights will be hoping to turn their fortune around this weekend, so make sure to support the boys from wherever you are watching!
Melbourne Knights FC:
2- Jack Marth, 3- Oliver Zafiridis, 4- Nikola Jurkovic, 5- Ayden Brice (C), 6- Anthony Duzel, 8- James McGarry, 9- Alun Webb, 10- Gian Albano, 11- Caleb Mikulic, 12- Oliver Cakarun, 13- Daniel Petrov, 14- Trevor Zwetsloot, 15- Felipe Sanchez, 16- Mohammed Sumaoro, 17- Trevor Ssemakula, 18- Dor Jok, 19- Nicholas Glavan, 21- Thomas Manos (GK), 23- Joseph Colina, 99- Harry Cakarun (GK)
Head Coach: Steve Bebic
Heidelberg United FC:
1- Chris Theodoridis, 63- Nick Eres, 2- Josh Wilkins, 4- Mallan Roberts, 5- Ajdin Fetahagic, 6- Lewis Hall, 7- Reuben Way, 8- Dusan Bosnjak, 9- Adrian Zahra, 10- Takeru Okada, 11- Tom Strickland, 12- Deion Nikolaidis, 13- Alex Castiello, 14- Dane Milovanovic, 18- Anthony Theodoropoulos, 19- Sean Ellis, 20- Luka Ninkovic, 21- Justin Micallef, 22- Dom Falla, Jackson Lino
Head Coach: George Katsakis
2021 NPL Victoria Round 19 – Heidelberg United FC v Melbourne Knights FC
Date: Sunday, July 4
Kick-off: 3:00PM (AEST)
Venue: Olympic Village, Heidelberg West
Where to watch: Livestream via Facebook & YouTube
