Melbourne Knights FC Official Website The Melbourne Knights have fallen 3-1 to the Oakleigh Cannons, consequently ending their chances of playing finals this season.
Starting XI: Thomas Manos (GK), Dylan Murnane, Taylor Schrijvers, Ayden Brice (C), Jack Marth, Luka Kolic, Thiery Iradukunda, Anthony Duzel, Gian Albano, Geroge Ott, Mohamad Sumaoro
Substitutes: Harry Cakarun (GK), Joseph Colina, Justin Micallef, Steve Sokol, Trevor Ssemakula, Jack Morton
With another bitter Melbourne evening taking hold, the Knights made their way to Jack Edwards to take on newly crowned 2021 NPL Champs – Oakleigh Cannons. With the first halfway underway, the Knights were able to match their hosts tempo and intensity and despite the lack of first half goals, the ensuing 45 minutes proved to be entertaining for spectators in attendance. The Knights were able to fend off the attacking threat of the Cannons whilst also taking chances of their own, with newcomer George Ott putting in a stellar shift. The best first half chance for the Knights fell to Gian Albano, but much to the anguish of Knights fans, the striker missed an open sitter, forcing the Knights and Cannons to enter the break with the scoreline untouched.
Cue the second half, and after an impressive sixty minutes of football, the Cannons found an eventual opener through the likes of Joe Guest, scoring his 12th for the season and continuing his impressive form throughout 2022 for the Cannons.
Care-taker coach Ben Surey opted for some midfield changes, in an attempt to keep up with an ever threatening Cannons. Anthony Duzel, Mohamad Sumaoro and Luka Kolic were all replaced with some fresh legs, by the likes of Jack Morton, Trevor Ssemakula and Justin Micallef.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, the intensity from the Knights began to wane as the Cannons doubled their lead through Anthony Pantazopoulos, who netted his first for the season for the Cannons. Oakleigh made it three in the 89th minute, when Wade Dekker found himself within range. Dekker inches closer to the top of the goal scoring charts, with his 15th of the season.
The Knights were able to find an 11th hour consolation goal through Gian Albano in the 92nd minute, however the match was all but over by this point. By the end of the 90, the Knights unluckily returned to Somers Street empty-handed despite their efforts against an inform Cannons.
The Knights return to home soil this week to face off against 4th placed Green Gully in the rescheduled round 21 catch-up match.
– Tom Hayes
