Melbourne Knights were shut out by an experienced Heidelberg United defence in a 1-0 loss in National Premier League soccer at Olympic Village on Saturday.
The Knights pressed for an equaliser and came within inches, but United had all the answers and that bit of luck it needed to secure all three points.
Knights captain Marijan Cvitkovic was pleased with the endeavour of his side, but admitted United’s defensive line made life difficult.
“We had a number of shots on target and some clear opportunities, but unfortunately couldn’t find the back of the net or find that equaliser,” he said.
“We definitely deserved something out of the game, but they’ve got a pretty experienced defence. They’ve been playing with each other for a number of years and once they got that goal they were happy to absorb pressure.”
Reuben Way scored the game’s only goal for Heidelberg United in the 20th minute.
It was the beginning of a dominant 15-minute period for United that included the awarding of a penalty.
That penalty shot was denied by a diving Knights goalkeeper Harry Cakarun.
“With Harry saving a penalty in the first half, it really brought us back to life,” Cvitkovic said.
It wound up being a frustrating night at the office, but it was also one that showed the promise of a young Knights team that has a record this season of two wins, two draws and three losses.
Melbourne Knights will host Green Gully Cavaliers in a derby at Knights Stadium on Friday night.
The Cavaliers are undefeated in six games with four wins in that span and a big 4-2 win over Northcote City on Saturday.
In the NPL women’s competition, Calder United played out an exciting 4-4 draw with FC Bulleen Lions at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
In NPL 2 west, Sunshine George Cross claimed victory for the first time this season by upsetting Murray United 1-0 away at La Trobe University in Wodonga, while St Albans Saints shared the points with Langwarrin in a 0-0 draw at Churchill Reserve on Sunday.
