By Liam Coventry-Poole
The Melbourne Knights have run out 1-0 victors over a wasteful NTC outfit in extremely gusty and wet conditions at Knights Stadium last night.
NTC failed to score after a dominant display of possession and territory play, which ultimately failed to deliver. NTC only started with 3 of the same players that faced the Knights back in round seven, with both teams lining up with extremely young and inexperienced squads.
NTC started the match strongly, holding a good majority of the ball in their attacking half for the first six minutes, only providing one chance via John Reale. Reale got his head onto a cross, which was comfortably saved by the Knights’ keeper Antony Loncaric.
The Knights’ Brandon Zezovski created one of the best chances of the half against the run of play. On the counter attack, Zezovski found himself through and one out with Luke Gavalas, shooting straight to the man in goals, who made a fine save at his feet to deny the opener.
One minute later, NTC had a chance to open the scoring after Peter Skapetis found himself in a similar situation to Zezovski. As Loncaric made his way off his line, Skapetis attempted to lob the ball back over his head and into the net, watching the ball fly over the crossbar and for a goal kick.
Another Knights long ball out of defence set up their next chance only two minutes later, with striker Abu Konteh through on goal after breaking a disorganised NTC defensive line of only 2 men. Konteh’s first touch was too heavy and his eventual shot was well saved by the feet of Luke Gavalas.
Following Konteh’s chance the gale forced wind began to pick up and the rain began to pelt down onto the pitch, making it almost impossible for the teams to move the ball effectively.
Melbourne continued to play on the counter attack, attempting to capitalise on NTC mistakes and turnovers in their attacking half.
The Knights opened the scoring after an embarrassing mistake by Luke Gavalas in goals. Gavalas undid his good work after he fumbled a simple chest mark in the box. Abu Konteh pounced on the loose ball and made Gavalas pay, tapping the ball in for the luckiest of goals.
NTC almost equalised from the kickoff with their best chance of the match. Joel Baldwin made a dangerous run down the left and wide into the 18 yard box, drawing two central defenders. His ball in found an unmarked David Stirton only five yards out, right in front of goal. His hit on the ball was dreadful, shooting it wide of the left-hand post.
NTC’s movement out of defence were terrific, stringing together countless passes before utilising the left wing well and moving into their attacking half.
The Melbourne Knights made it difficult for NTC to counter attack, attacking with caution and leaving enough men behind the ball to subdue NTC’s movement out of their own half.
Reale had a good chance to equalise in the 37th minute, with a free header just outside the six yard box after an accurate cross flew in from the right. Reale’s header had little on it and could only find the chest of Loncaric.
NTC’s Matthew Thomas found himself in a great position for a direct free kick on the edge of half time. His effort cleared the wall and went agonisingly wide of the top right hand corner, forcing a dive from Loncaric.
NTC went into the half time break lament on their ability to create better chances and convert the ones they had handed to them. The Knights, on the other hand, may have been lucky to have the lead at the break, but held their shape and stemmed any attacking flow from NTC.
Just like the conditions, the play slowed at the start of the second half, getting off to a frustrating start. The majority of the play began to lock itself down in midfield, with neither team enjoying any real chances on goal.
In the 59th minute, NTC created the first decent chance of the half through Matthew Thomas. Thomas slid in and got onto a low cross, which came in from the left at close range, forcing an excellent save from Loncaric in goals.
Knights’ substitute Anthony Boras had a great chance to put the match to bed in the 73rd minute, making a tremendous solo run down the centre of park before unleashing a heavy strike from 20 yards out. Gavalas in goals was beaten, but so was the post, as the ball travelled wide of the goal.
NTC’s David Stirton provided two consecutive chances for an equaliser just one minute later. A barrage of Knights’ bodies blocked Stirton’s first effort, before striking the ball for a second time, forcing a fingertip save from the informed Loncaric.
The final ten minutes commenced with minor incident, with the Knights holding out for a 1-0 victory, after a strong defensive performance, and a disappointing attacking performance for NTC at the other end.
Next Wednesday night NTC take on Hume City at Olympic Village, while the Melbourne Knights take on South Melbourne on Sunday afternoon at John Cain Memorial Park, for a massive tie with their old rivals. The match will prove to be extremely telling in the context of the Knights season, as they continue to fight a relegation battle, only sitting one point above Sunshine George Cross, who sit in second bottom position.
Melbourne Knights: Antony Loncaric (GK), Liam Cannell, Nicholas Jurcic, Josip Jurjevic, Paul Pham (David Kustura 46’), Ivica Praiz, Christopher Talajic, Brandon Zezovski (Anthony Boras 46’), Stefan Baricevic, Nathan Long (Filip Vulic 46’), Abu Konteh
Substitutes: Tomislav Ples, Matthew Hrastov
Goals: Abu Konteh 26’
N.T.C: Luke Gavalas (GK), Daniel Chaabani, Davide Cardamone, Curran Ferns, Joel Baldwin, Matthew Thomas (Anthony Laus 77’), Peter Skapetis, Robert Naumoski, Zoran Surdoski (Erol Korkmaz 59’), David Stirton, John Reale
Substitutes: Christian Georgopoulos
Last updated: Thursday July 15, 2010 7:29AM
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