Melbourne Knights FC Official Website Masudi’s majestic brings momentary joy in an otherwise sobering night for the Knights.
Starting XI: Thomas Manos (GK), Jack Marth, Fuki Ishibashi, Theiry Iradukunda, Ayden Bryce (C), Luka Celic, Gian Albano, Anthony Frangie, Mohammad Sumaoro, Jack Morton, Luka Kolic.
Substitutes: Harry Cakarun (GK), Atilla Ofli, Justin Micallef, Trevor Ssemakula, Steve Sokol, Lionel Masudi.
The Knights came into the match against Green Gully full of confidence having had commanding victories in the last fortnight with their last match being a 3 -0 win against Hume city at home and moving into the top half of the table for the first time this season; Green Gully on the other hand were coming into round eight having lost their last three matches, both sides came into the match needing the three points, for the Knights it would establish a clear run of form and for Green Gully might reinvigorate their season.
In the first half Green Gully looked in control from the off, the desire and will shown put the knights on the back foot. Nahuel Bonada opened the scores for Green Gully in the 6th minute of the match, giving the home team the momentum to take control of the match. Green Gully controlled the game for the rest of the opening half, setting the Knights a tough task going into half-time.
After the break, Gully continued their hold on the match, the Knights made an early change brining on Steve Sokol for Thierry Iradukunda in the 46th minute, whilst the Knights began to show some promise nearing the half-way point of, they couldn’t find the back of the net.
The Knights made four more changes to shake the game up, brining on Justin Micallef for Luka Kolic in the 62nd minute, Trevor Ssemakula for Fuki Ishibashi in the 77th minute, Atilla Ofli and Lionel Masudi for Anthony Frangie and Mohammad Sumaoro in the 85th minute.
Shortly after the last of these changes the Knights found themselves with a two-goal deficit to overcome when Luka Adams scored Green Gully’s second in the 87th minute.
When all hope looked lost Lionel Masudi showed what he was made of and brought the Knights back into the game with a stunning goal in the 89th minute of the match; unfortunately, however Masudi’s efforts weren’t enough to stop Green Gully walking way with the three points.
The Knights next face Eastern Lions SC next Thursday at Somers Street at 7:30pm.
– Ryan Schopp
