Melbourne Knights FC Official Website A match with it all – from red cards and a coach being sent off, to six goals and a late-stage comeback from the Knights.
The first half saw Avondale FC pressing the Knights defence. While the Knights tried to keep control of the ball, Avondale were able to jump on to every lost ball and take their chances as the Knights hesitated when they went on the attack.
Avondale’s first goal came in the 18th minute thanks to a strike from Kur Kur from the right side of the box. The Avengers proceeded to double their lead soon after due to a free kick awarded to Blake Carpenter in the 25th minute.
The rest of the half saw both side waste their chances before the half time whistle. After the break, Avondale quickly tripled their lead in the 51st minute after a header from Ayden Brice.
While all hope seemed lost for the Knights, the side countered quickly in the 59th minute from a well-timed strike from newcomer Saif Sakhi. From there the Knights lifted and the game went to another level.
In the 79th minute, after an exciting run from Knights striker, Ciarran Bramwell, the side was awarded a penalty due to a Carpenter tackle, which saw him sent off. Gian Albano easily slotted away the penalty against Avondale keeper and former team mate, Thomas Manos.
The match got extra heated in extra time as Avondale coach, Zoran Markovski threw the ball onto the pitch, earning him a red card for time wasting.
The Knights took advantage from there and the 93rd minute saw Bramwell execute a perfect header to see the Knights draw the game.
It was one for the books.
The Knights are in action at home once again on Sunday, 3 March against St Albans Saints SC. Come down for the 4:00pm match as we vie for our first win on the season!
