Melbourne Knights history making Australia Cup run continues with a Semi Final clash against Brisbane Roar at Knights Stadium on Sunday evening.
Knights are the competition’s only remaining NPL side and come up against A-League opposition Brisbane Roar for a spot in the final.
Ben Cahn’s side booked their spot in the final four with a stunning come-from-behind 3-2 win against Heidelberg in the Quarter Finals.
The Bergers raced out to a two-goal lead after 27 minutes but Gian Albano pulled one back to halve the deficit heading into the break.
Knights threw everything at the visitors in the second half and finally found an equaliser through Anton Kinnander in the 91st minute before Mitch Hore popped up with a winner in the seventh minute of stoppage, sending the home support into raptures in a night that will undoubtedly last long in the memory.
Hore, who has starred for Knights in their cup run so far with goals in the Quarter Final, Round of 16, Round of 32 and Final Preliminary Round is in line to go up against his brother Henry, who plays for Roar in Sunday’s Semi Final.
Knights connection to Sunday’s opposition doesn’t end there with Club Captain, Ivan Franjic having made his A-League breakthrough in Brisbane – appearing 131 times and winning three Championships in his time in orange.
The Roar reached the Semi Finals for the second time in their history with wins over Newcastle Jets, Sydney United and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Knights aim to become just the second NPL side to reach the Australia Cup Final by following in the footsteps of Sydney United who beat the Roar in last season’s Semi Final.
Knights run to the final four comes after wins over Heidelberg United, Campbelltown City, Lions FC, Yarraville Glory, Bentleigh Greens, Box Hill United and Corio SC.
Sunday’s Australia Cup Semi Final at Knights Stadium kicks off at 6:00pm and will be streamed live and free on 10 Play.
EVENT MAP
GAME DAY
Melbourne Croatia will be open from 12:30pm for lunch, inside and outside in the Beer Garden. No reservations needed. Prva Liga and DJ Takac will be providing entertainment pre and post match. MCSC will also be providing face painting.
TICKETING
Tickets can be purchased online here. Online ticket sales will shut on Saturday 23 September at 11:59pm. Tickets can also be purchased on on game day at the ticket booths (8/9). General Admission $20. Concession Admission $15.
Pre-purchased tickets will not be sent out in the mail. Pre-purchased tickets can be collected from the Administration Office (4) on Game Day – Sunday 24 September -after 2pm.
CAR PARK
Two facility entrances will be opened on Game Day (14 and 15) along with two car parks. If you enter through the Main Facility Entrance (14), you will be directed to park your vehicle in the Main Car Park, unless full. If you enter through the Second Facility Entrance (15), you will be directed to park in the Second Car Park. If both car parks become full, you will be directed to park in an overflow car park (pitch 3, unmarked green area on map). Car Park $5.
STADIUM ENTRANCES
Two stadium entrances will be open (7 and 10).
FOOD AND DRINK
Inside the stadium grounds, the Cro Kombi Food Truck (6) will be open from 5:00pm serving cevape rolls, hot chips and beverages. The Melbourne Knights Kiosk (1) will be open from 4:00pm serving the regular game day menu.
Four bars will be operating inside the stadium grounds. Two facing the pitch on the grandstand side, VIP Bar in the grandstand (open to all) and Quarry Bar (11) at the Media Tower.
MATCH DETAILS
Australia Cup 2023 – Semi Final: Melbourne Knights v Brisbane Roar
Knights Stadium, Sunshine North
Sunday, 24 September (6:00pm KO)