MELBOURNE Knights are re-establishing themselves as a powerhouse of the Victorian Premier League.
They once-proud club has come in from the wilderness and is on track to reach the finals for the first time since 2008.
The Knights produced a stellar second half to beat Port Melbourne Sharks 3-1 at JL Murphy Reserve on Friday night after scores were level at 1-1 at half-time.
Luka Prelevic put the Sharks in front on 15 minutes before Andrew Barisic restored parity in the 30th.
Barisic put the Knights in front in the 59th minute and there would be an insurance goal for the visitors through Marijan Cvitkovic in the 70th.
The Knights have claimed 13 of a possible 15 points from their past five matches to sit third on the ladder.
Green Gully Cavaliers have won three out of their past four to move into the top six.
The Cavaliers needed just a single goal, scored by Brent Fisher to fend off Pascoe Vale at Green Gully Reserve.
The Knights and the Cavs will meet in a much-anticipated local derby at Knights Stadium on Sunday at 3pm.
In state league 2, Sydenham Park’s promotion aspiration took a hit with a 2-1 loss to Brunswick City.
Westgate had a 1-1 draw with Moreland City under lights at Ardeer Reserve on Friday.
The clash between Keilor Park and Avondale Heights was postponed.
