Melbourne Knights FC Official Website Following a bitter 1-0 loss to Altona Magic last week, the Knights return home to face the Port Melbourne Sharks in Round 13 of the Victoria NPL season.
In the previous round, the Knights were unable to seize on the opportunity against the Magic last week. Alternatively, this week’s opponents – the Sharks – snagged a handy 3-1 win against the Bentleigh Greens. A late haul at the end of the first half gave the Sharks all the momentum leading into the final 45 minutes, giving the Greens no sight of comeback.
Despite only having seven more points, the Sharks sit comfortably in the top six, currently in fourth position. A win is much needed for the Knights, as although they have a game in hand, it could take them onto the brink of the top six, with an extra game to play.
The Knights last faced the Sharks last season in February, in which they claimed an infamous 1-0 victory away from home. Gian Albano scored the winner early into the piece, before the Knights were reduced to ten men midway through the first 45 minutes. The Sharks almost climbed their way back into the match with a penalty, however it was blown when it was saved. The Knights must be particularly wary of Chris Duggan who has netted six goals this season from nine matches. Duggan currently sits fifth on the goal scoring tally, one slot above Albano in sixth.
Melbourne Knights FC
Head Coach: Steve Bebic
Squad: 1- Harry Cakarun (GK), 2- Jack Marth, 3- Fuki Ishibashi, 4- Theiry Iradukunda, 5- Ayden Brice (C), 6- Anthony Duzel, 7- Atilla Ofli, 8- James McGarry, 9- Luka Celic, 10- Gian Albano, 11- Justin Micallef, 12- Andy Robertson, 14- Anthony Frangie, 16- Mohammad Sumaoro, 17- Trevor Ssemakula, 18- Jack Morton, 19- Luka Kolic, 21- Thomas Manos (GK), 23- Steve Sokol, 24- Ivan Miletic, 77- Lionel Masudi
Port Melbourne Sharks SC
Head Coach: Adam Piddick
Squad: 1- Andrew Withers (GK), 2- Josh Wilkins, 4- Michael Eagar (C), 5- Troy Ruthven, 6- Daniel Edwards, 7- Chris Duggan, 8- Matthew Ntoumenopoulos, 9- Tom Barforosh, 10- George Mells, 11- Emlyn Wellsmore, 12- Anthony Ianchello, 13- Valli Cesnik, 14- Jackson Courtney-Perkins, 15- Kristian Bombaci, 16- Fletcher McFarlane, 17- Luca Tevere, 18- Francesco Stella, 21- Ross Archibald, 22- Lathan Dunn, 23- Omar Ammache, 24- Acuil Acuil, 26- Robson Deme, 44- Angelo Rigogiannis
– Tom Hayes
