Melbourne Knights FC Official Website Melbourne Knights have moved into the NPL Victoria top six for the first time this season after securing an exhilarating 3-2 win over Port Melbourne Sharks at JL Murphy Reserve on Saturday evening.
First goals in red, white and blue for Mitch Hore and Ciaran Bramwell had Knights ahead at the break before Mohammed Sumaoro 86th minute strike sealed all three points in dramatic fashion after the home side fought back through Luca Tevere and Chris Duggan.
Hore opened the scoring in the 23rd minute when he slammed an effort into the bottom corner from the top of the box on the end of a well worked team move.
Eight minutes later Hore turned provider playing in Ciaran Bramwell to finish at the near post after some brilliant interplay with Gevaro Nepomuceno and Ivan Franjic down the right hand side.
Bramwell nearly had another in the 35th minute, skipping past his marker before curling an angled effort against the far post from just inside the area, sending the Knights into the half time break with a two- goal advantage.
Despite Knights creating a number of strong chances early in the second stanza it was Port Melbourne who struck next, pulling a goal back through Luca Tevere who turned home a half-volley after Chris Oldfield could only parry Michael Eager’s initial header.
In the 76th minute the Sharks found an equaliser through Chris Duggan who made no mistake from the penalty spot after being brought down by Josh Phelps inside the area.
But it was Knights who had the last laugh grabbing an 87th minute match winner through substitute, Mohammed Sumaoro who latched onto the end of a Steve Whyte through ball before streaking away from the Sharks defence and finishing into the bottom corner to seal all three points for the boys from Somers Street.
Saturday’s win over the Sharks who finished last season in second place sees Ben Cahn’s side climb to fifth on the NPL Victoria standings following an opening five rounds that have seen them face four of last season’s top six.
Next up for Knights is a return to Somers Street on Friday night for a clash against Altona Magic.
Magic sit tenth on the NPL Victoria ladder after five rounds and suffered a 2-1 defeat at home to Green Gully this weekend.
MATCH DETAILS
NPL Victoria 2023 – Round 5: Port Melbourne v Melbourne Knights
JL Murphy Reserve, Port Melbourne
Saturday, 18 March
Port Melbourne – 2 (Luca TEVERE 66’, Chris DUGGAN 76’)
Melbourne Knights – 3 (Mitch HORE 23’, Ciaran BRAMWELL 31’, Mohammed SUMAORO 87’)
