THE Melbourne Knights have shaken off a week of turmoil and defeated arch-rival Green Gully 1-0 in the Victorian Premier League.
After winning only two matches from the first eight games, the club last week sacked coach Paul Magdic and his assistant Lorenz Kindtner.
Former player and coach Andrew Marth was immediately named as caretaker coach for the rest of the year.
Speaking to the Weekly, Marth said he was happy with the team’s performance following the changes at the club.
“I gave the guys an opportunity to say if they weren’t happy [with the decision to sack Magdic] and no one left.
“They played exceptionally and really stuck to their jobs and did all we asked of them.”
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Marth said the scoreboard didn’t reflect the team’s performance.
“We thoroughly deserved the win and we could have easily had two or three goals.
“We hit the post a couple of times and had a few opportunities.”
He said the team adjusted to the new game plan well.
“We did a 180-degree turn with the game plan and relied more on a defensive structure.
“We’ll look at changing the plan a bit more in the coming weeks, but [you] can’t change it all at one time.”
For Marth, the win was all the sweeter as it was against the Cavaliers.
Marth spent time with the club both as a player and coach.
He ruled out making the position permanent after this season.
“Ange [club president Ange Cimera] rang me a couple of weeks ago to see if I could help, but I couldn’t because of work and family commitments.
“He rang me again and I couldn’t say no … the Knights are a proud club.”
Cavaliers general manager Raymond Mamo said the match was disappointing.
“The boys weren’t in the the game at all. It was one of those days when the boys just didn’t turn up. Credit to the Knights, they came out more hungry and wanted the game more.”
After the second straight loss, Mamo said the team was struggling with injuries.
“We lost another player out for the season through injury … half our side that played in the grand final last year are still out injured.
“We’re not making excuses, they were more hungry yesterday and deserved to win.”
He said the boys needed to regroup before their next regular match in two weeks.
“They need to work out who put in and who can put in an extra 10-15 per cent.
“Our next match against Dandenong will test us as they haven’t lost a match.”
This weekend both teams will compete in round five of the FFV State Knockout Cup.
The Cavaliers face Keilor Park and the Knights take on the Ballarat Red Devils away.
