Melbourne Knights twice came from behind in a chaotic second half for a sterling 4-3 win over Oakleigh Cannons in the National Premier League at Jack Edwards Reserve on Friday night.
The Knights took the lead into half-time on the back of a goal to captain Marijan Cvitkovic, but the first term was merely the calm before the storm.
A flurry of second-half goals – six in all – had the fans on the edge of their seats right until the final whistle.
Just two minutes into the term, Oakleigh levelled the scores when Ryan Paczkowski chipped Knights goalkeeper Jordan Gifkins.
The Cannons moved into the lead 10 minutes later when a Konstantinos Strotomitros strike took a wicked deflection to wrong-foot Gifkins.
The Knights hit back soon after through Anthony Dezic, whose ambitious overhead shot looped over Cannons goalkeeper Jonathan Honos. Oakleigh took back control when Paczowski scored his second goal, sliding the ball between Gifkins’ legs.
With upwards of 25 minutes to go, the Knights had plenty of time to score twice to return home with all three points.
The equaliser came from the penalty spot through new recruit Andelo Svalina before Nate Foster scored a tap-in deep into stoppage time for the victory.
The Knights are knocking on the door for a spot in the NPL top six.
They have another tough away test against Pascoe Vale on Friday night at CB Smith Reserve.
Meanwhile, Green Gully went down 3-0 to Avondale at Paisley Park on Friday night.
The Cavaliers, still clinging to a spot in the top six, will be keen to bounce back when they face Port Melbourne Sharks at JL Murphy Reserve on Friday night.
Lance Jenkinson
