Tara Murray
Melbourne Knights survived the Dockerty Cup play off match to win through to the final four of the competition.
With five teams left in the competition, the Knights and Northcote City were the unlucky teams drawn to play in the play off match on Wednesday night.
Knights coach Ben Cahn said it was a tricky situation, which none of the five teams left wanting to be in the play off game.
The Knights came away with a 3-1 win after a strong second half.
“We’re glad we got through it,” he said. “Both sides were cagey and kept some physical capabilities in tact.
“They are a good side and have lots of good players, it was a close game.
“We had a bit more depth in who we could bring on and were able to score three goals in the second half.”
Cahn said it wasn’t easy to get themselves up for the game as they’re in the middle of a tough run in the fixture.
He said a number of players who had a lot of minutes stepped up and performed really well, while a couple of their new signings in Ben Collins and Anton Kinnander both scored.
Cahn said they knew they needed to strengthen their squad with a lot of games still to come.
“It was important we added to the squad,” he said. “We played seven games in June.
“For a team at any level that is challenging and it’s important to have extra depth and quality for the rest of the campaign.”
The Knights now face the Oakleigh Cannons in the next round of the Dockerty Cup on July 12.
On Wednesday, the Knights found out their opponent for the round of 32 in the Australia Cup.
The Knights will be at home to Queensland team, the Lions, which Cahn said was a massive bonus for them.
“The Lions are a team that I know really well,” he said. “I’ve coached against them in a number of big games, finals.
“I’m looking forward to the game and hopefully move into the round of 16. We’ve got a lot of matches without having that strenuous travel and we’re happy to be at home.
“It’s nice and warm in Queensland, and it’ll be nice for them to come down to the cold and Melbourne Knights is an intimidating place to play with all of our fans.”
The Knights are back in action on Friday night in the National Premier League.
It didn’t get any easier for them with a match up against ladder leaders Avondale. The Knights are in fourth spot.
Meanwhile, Western United has drawn Edgeworth Eagles on the road in its first match of the Australia Cup competition.
Australia Cup matches will be play in a two week period in August.
