Harper Sercombe
It’s been a tough start to the National Premier League season for the Melbourne Knights.
The Knights were winless to start the season, with a game against reigning premiers Avondale scheduled for Friday night, which was after deadline.
In round one the Knights faced their traditional rivals South Melbourne, losing 1-0 in a valiant performance. It was a much more disappointing match in round two for the Knights, going down 3-1 to the Port Melbourne Sharks.
“We knew it was going to be [a tough start],” coach Ben Surey said. “It was disappointing, results wise.”
“Last week’s performance wasn’t up to scratch. The Port Melbourne boys came at us, worked hard and made it really difficult for us. We had most of the ball, the second goal was just probably the killer punch for them and up to that point we thought if we got on we’d get two but we just didn’t really create enough in the final third.
“Round one was definitely positive, I thought we should have gotten something out of that game, them scoring so early made it difficult, then we had all the ball but we were allowed to and then again probably didn’t create enough chances.”
Surey said it has been a strong start for the club’s four signings with Papua New Guinea national side member Tommy Semmy having the greatest impact.
“Tommy Semmy has had two positive performances, he was unlucky not to have scored,” Surrey said.
“Ben Carrigan made his debut in round one as well, he’s played both games and I think he’s been one of our better players. He’s comfortable on the ball and good defensively.
“Tom Woerndl made his debut last week, he played slightly out of position and was a bit unlucky to play in such a poor team performance.
“They’ve settled in nicely and I think it’s just a matter of time before, especially Tommy Semmy gets results for his work.”
The matches for the Knights didn’t get easier on Friday night, when playing local rivals Avondale.
Speaking before the game Surey said another home game will be good for the Knights.
“It doesn’t get any easier, but we’re at home and we need the points,” he said.
“We don’t fear anyone but we respect Avondale and what they did last year, but it’s a different year and hopefully we can get the three points.
“Hopefully they come out, it’s obviously a big game for the club.
“We’ve got four home games in a row and we need to make them count.”
This week the Knights will face their other local rivals in the St Albans Saints at Knights Stadium.
The Saints kicked off the first two rounds of its season with a loss and a draw. Drawing 0-0 with the Sharks in round one before losing 2-1 to Avondale in round two. On Sunday the Saints faced Dandenong City.
Green Gully had a win followed by a loss to start the season. In round one Gully won 1-0, it then had a big 2-0 loss to Hume.
On the weekend Green Gully faced the Manningham United Blues.
