Harper Sercombe
Melbourne Knights are continuing their National Premier League finals campaign.
Knights made a return to finals for the first time since 2015, matching their best ever NPL finish of fourth from that season, this year.
The Knights faced Port Melbourne in a do or die clash on Friday night to put them into a semi final against Avondale next week.
The Knights started the game strongly with three shots on target in the first half to none for the Sharks, without being able to get on to the scoreboard.
However, the Knights were able to break through straight after half time with Mitch Hore scoring on the back of some great counter attacking play from the team. They extended their lead in the 63rd minute through the team’s leading goal scorer Gian Albano as he put through a penalty. Giving them a 2-0 win.
Coach Ben Cahn said they were pretty happy with the win against a good Port Melbourne side.
“We worked really hard in preparation for the game and in the end the boys put in a really strong performance,” he said.
With minor premiers Avondale to come the task does not get easier for the Knights as they will have to win that to book themselves into a grand final.
“They’re a great side,” Cahn said.
“I think once you get to this end of the season and you’re playing in finals football, I think whoever you end up playing against is a difficult game.”
“Each team is different, but all of them are very strong.”
Cahn said he takes confidence out of their last two outings against Avondale, as he said they played really well in both their draw and three nil loss against them.
“We know performance wise, we can match them,” he said.
“They’re a really strong team, but we’ll go in with confidence and nothing to lose.”
Fatigue may challenge the Knights too with the Knights Australia Cup campaign continuing on Tuesday night.
The Knights will face Campbelltown City in their round of 16 clash after defeating the Queensland Lions in the round of 32 stage.
City defeated Macarthur in its last game of the tournament.
Western United will face the Gold Coast Knights in their round of 16 clash on Wednesday night as they continue their pre season, heading into the A League season.
Meanwhile in the NPLW finals start this weekend with Calder United facing the Bulleen Lions.
Harper Sercombe
