Melbourne Knights FC Official Website The Melbourne Knights have returned to the winning column, after completing the double against Croatian rivals – Dandy City.
Starting XI: Thomas Manos (GK), Jack Marth, Thiery Iradukunda, Ayden Brice (C), Anthony Duzel, Luka Celic, Gian Albano, Anthony Frangie, Mohamad Sumaoro, Trevor Ssemakula, Jack Morton
Substitutions: Harry Cakarun (GK), Fuki Ishibashi, Joseph Colina, Andy Robertson, Luka Kolic, Steve Sokol
The first half consisted of a few trying chances on goal for both sides, with the flow of momentum just sitting with the home side. Despite some early chances on goal going amiss, the Knights remained locked at 0-0 with their opponents going into the break.
The second half started positive for the Knights, with the lion-share of the ball remaining, again, with the home side. It seemed it was only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken.
With a little over a half hour left on the clock, Gian Albano struck once again for the Knights, giving the home side the lead after receiving a expertly timed ball to his feet from Luka Celic. Albano’s sixth league goal of the season takes him to equal-fifth in the standings along with being the Knights’ most prolific sticker this season.
Celebrations were short-lived however, as Dandenong City scored directly from kick-off, thanks to Brady Quinn. The visitors retained possession to the goal and the game was back on level terms within a minute.
With 30 minutes to play, the game turned into an end-to-end battle. Both teams getting sight of goal, although no breakthrough entailed.
That was until the 73rd minute, when Anthony Duzel – the unlikely hero – fired back to regain the Knights’ lead, giving the home fans some nervous football to survey for the remaining 15 minutes.
After 90 minutes of football, it was the Knights who deservingly prevailed, collecting a huge three points to add to their bank. The win moves the Knights into ninth at round end, with one game in hand – to be played this Tuesday against the Oakleigh Cannons.
It’s another huge week of football for the Knights, with the aforementioned round 11 catch up clash against the Oakleigh Cannons this coming Tuesday the 24th of May – kick off at 7:30pm. Following this early week fixture, the Knights will then see themselves travelling to Avenger Park on Saturday to take on to Avondale FC – kick off at 3:00pm
– Tom Hayes