Max Hatzoglou
An incredible comeback from 2-0 down saw the Melbourne Knights record a spectacular win in round four of the National Premier League.
The Knights were in shock early as the visitors, Bentleigh Greens, scored two goals in the first 22 minutes of the game at Knights Stadium.
A goal from Mohammad Sumaoro minutes before halftime made it 2-1 before all the attention turned to the matchwinner, Gian Albano, who propelled his side over the line with two important goals, including a goal of the season contender.
“It felt really good to finally get that performance out,” Albano said.
“Not going to lie, after a couple of games into the season, it was a good weight off the shoulders to get my first goal of the season.
“It was good to finally get the first goal and obviously the second goal, to get them both in such a tight, close game.”
The centre forward credited his teammates for their resilience and hard work down the field which helped him to score.
“Big credit to the team as well of course, putting in a big shift behind me,” the 25 year old said.
“I’m sort of finishing off all their hard work.
“We started off a little bit slow, let them come into the game and get up 2-0, although we showed really good fight.
“We got in at halftime really full of confidence that we were still in the game and came out believing that we could still win it and we did.
“It was good in the end with the fight we showed.”
The win puts the Knights in seventh position on the ladder with two wins and two loses heading into their round five clash against twelfth placed Heidelberg.
With both teams coming off a win, it will be another intense match as the Knights travel to Olympic Village for a Friday night clash.
Albano, who is originally from Perth and was in the youth team at A-League club Perth Glory, said he is striving to get an opportunity at the next level.
“That was definitely an aim to come here and get a bit more exposure as it is limited in Perth, having only one A-League team there.
“I am definitely still looking to get a crack in the A-League.”
Albano also said he has been enjoying his time living in Melbourne.
“It’s been really good, I have loved it from the first second I landed here,” he said.
“Melbourne in general and then football of course.”
As this was written on deadline, Knights’ round five match has already occurred.
Results can be found on bit.ly/3CMftMa
