On the board … Josip Kozic, pictured playing against Green Gully, scored for Melbourne Knights on Tuesday night. 65232Picture: SARAH MATRAY
By Luke D’Anello
MELBOURNE Knights progressed to the Super 12 stage of the Mirabella Cup after claiming a 3-1 win against North Sunshine Eagles under lights on Tuesday.
The Eagles claimed shock victories against Williamstown and Altona Magic in the knockout tournament before the round five clash, but they were no match for the Victorian Premier League (VPL) outfit.
Knights coach Paul Magdic experimented with his side’s formation but, while pleased to score the win, he said the performance was inconsistent.
“We were aware that North Sunshine has been doing really well and they’ve caused a couple of upsets, including against Altona Magic, so we weren’t taking the game lightly,” Magdic said.
“Overall, there were patches of the game that I was really pleased with and some other patches were pretty ordinary.
“Full credit to North Sunshine, but I believed we had full control of the match.”
Shayan Alinejad pocketed two goals for the Knights before Josip Kozic added his name to scoresheet in the final minutes.
North Sunshine managed to add some respectability to the result when they hit the back of the net with two minutes remaining at Knights Stadium, but Kozic then found a way through the Eagles’ defence.
Magdic, who singled-out Alinejad for praise, said it was a “fair result”.
“It (the margin) could have been a bit more with a little bit more quality. But, like every victory, I’m happy,” he said.
Magdic said the Knights’ strong form in the Mirabella Cup could help them improve during the remainder of the VPL season.
“Of course it can. It just revitalises you a bit and gives you that winning feeling. There are a lot of positives and any win is a good win.
“Obviously the Premier League games at this point in time are more important, but getting a win on the board and defeating the opposition – whoever that may be – has a positive effect.”
The coach also lauded the Mirabella Cup concept.
“I think it’s been lacking in the last couple of years and it’s a good thing (it has returned).
“I grew up and I remember the Dockerty Cup (which ended in 2004) and that was a great thing during the NSL and State League days.
“I reckon it’s a great thing to be involved in, especially for the smaller clubs. North Sunshine had their supporters there and they were taking it a lot more seriously than possibly we were,” Magdic said.
“It’s like an FA-Cup in the local league. I have no qualms about it and I think it’s a great concept.”
The Knights are into the final 12, with teams to be split into four groups of three when all round five games are completed.
The top two from each group will then progress to the quarter-final stage.
Meanwhile, VPL reigning premier Green Gully will face Sunshine George Cross in Mirabella Cup action tomorrow night at Green Gully Reserve. Kick off is at 7.30pm.
