By Lance Jenkinson
Melbourne Knights came back from a goal down at half-time to beat Green Gully Cavaliers 2-1 on the back of two exquisite set pieces in a National Premier League derby at Knights Stadium on Friday night.
The Cavaliers led at half-time after an opportunistic goal by Timmy Purcell in the eighth minute.
The Knights found a way back into the contest through a goal to Hamish Watson in the 74th minute.
Watson rose high to head home a Corey Sewell corner.
Four minutes later, the Knights had the lead after a goal from Tomislav Uskok.
Sewell was once again the provider, swinging in a delicious free kick for Uskok to power a header into the back of the net.
The victory keeps the Knights in the top three with 21 points, one back of second-placed Heidelberg United and seven behind rampaging ladder leader Avondale. Green Gully remains inside the top six on goal difference.
The Knights will be chasing a third straight win when they host second-last Kingston City at Knights Stadium on Friday. Green Gully will host Hume City at Green Gully Reserve on Friday night.
In NPL 2 west, St Albans Saints kept the pressure on at the top of the ladder with a 2-0 win over Murray United on the road.
The win keeps the Saints on the same points as table-topping Werribee City, but trailing on goal difference.
The Saints will play a third straight away game on Saturday against Melbourne Victory at Epping Stadium.
In NPL women’s, Calder United earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over Bayside United at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve. Angela Beard and Polly Doran found the back of the net for Calder, which remains on top of the ladder.
