The Melbourne Knights blaze into the final game of the season against second placed Port Melbourne Sharks, hoping to finish the season on a positive note.
With no finals to play for the Knights will hope to finish their season on a high note with a win. However, regardless of the result, a win, draw or loss will see the Knights remain in 9th position.
Last week, the Knights managed a gutsy 1-1 draw against the Altona Magic. An even first half gave both teams all to play for in the final period. Mohammad Sumaoro gave the Knights a lead with a smashing finish, but only 10 minutes later the visitors had an equaliser.
Our upcoming opponents – the Sharks – got away with the three points last week, in a 1-0 win over sixth placed Bentleigh Greens. Solidifying their position in the top three, the Sharks need a win in the final round of the season to lock in second place – but even with a loss to the Knights, the Shark are safely through to finals football.
Unsurprisingly, the Sharks are not short of talent up front, with Chris Duggan and Jackson Courtney-Perkins proving to be prolific in front of goals, with Duggan netting 13 goals from just 19 matches this season and JCP scoring nine goals this season.
When these sides last faced, the Sharks, once again got away with a 1-0 victory when they visited Knights Stadium earlier this year. After missing a penalty in the second half, the Sharks continued to spur their way to victory. Josh Wilkins netted the winner with only 20 minutes to go, sealing the three points.
Make sure to show your support in the final game of the season, as the boys hope to finish their campaign on a high note and look ahead to the 2023 season.
Melbourne Knights FC:
Squad: 1- Harry Cakarun (GK), 2- Jack Marth, 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, 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
Caretaker Coach: Ben Surey
Port Melbourne Sharks SC:
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
Head Coach: Adam Piddick
2022 NPL Victoria Round 26 – Port Melbourne Sharks SC v Melbourne Knights FC
Date: Sunday, August 21
Kick-off: 3:00PM (AEST)
Venue: JL Murphy Reserve, Port Melbourne
Where to watch: Livestream via NPL TV