Melbourne Knights FC Official Website The Knights were unable to fend off a familiar goal and ultimately went down fighting.
The Knights welcomed the offical second half of season as visitors South Melbourne FC rolled into Somers Street for the second OG Melbourne Derby at Knights Stadium in 2024.
As newly appointed Head Coach, Ivan Franjic decided to focus the squad on the opponents, giving Tom Woerndl a starting berth and resting Tommy Semmy on the bench.
Always a fight, both sides had were eager to get off the mark quickly, creating an open flowing game that was a pleasure to watch. The first half saw both sides bringing their A-game to the derby, with supporters cheering loudly. But it was the Knights that came out attacking and pressing for a goal. The Knights best chance came in the form of a penalty, as South keeper Javier Lopez come out to stop a ball, taking Bramwell as collateral in the process. Stepping up to the spot was Gian Albano, however, Lopez reacted correctly and saved the shot.
Not dropping their heads, the Knights kept pressing on goal, however stopping the penalty gave Lopez a boost of confidence, making some remarkable saves to keep the Knights at bay.
Despite their efforts, the Knights had nothing to show by half time and both sides went into the second half on equal terms.
With soft rain falling over Knights Stadium, the second half was a messier affair.
The Knights continued their pressure and their shots on goal, but Lopez was South’s best on ground, able to save miracle shot after miracle shot. South made a kep substitute, brining on Max Mikkola. An all too familiar goal ensured after a Max Mikkola throw-in found its target – Lucas Inglese – who headed it in past Oldfield to give the visitors the lead. The match ended in a familiar score line from an all too familiar conceded goal.
The Knights now have four away games in a row, so will need to find points away from home. This week sees them up against top-six side Port Melbourne at SS Anderson Oval at 5:00pm.
