Photo: Steve Starek/Melbourne Knights
A Sean Ellis penalty separated Heidelberg United and Melbourne Knights in a physical 1-0 contest on a waterlogged Knights Stadium pitch.
George Katsakis’ men reinforced their recent form as they brushed past a Knights outfit who are pursuing their place in finals football.
Harry Noon’s presence on the park was missed instantly as the Bergers lacked the star man in midfield, able to both create and cease the opposition’s chances.
Michael O’Farrell was applauded by the home faithful in the ninth minute as he completed a double save, preventing a Kenny Athiu close range header and consecutively obstructing the rebound shot from Andreas Govas.
Josh Brekalo was on the receiving end of two knocks within the first eleven minutes, with the latter seeing him carried off in a stretcher and swapped for Jacob Colosimo.
Countless slips from players of either team highlighted the intensity of the saturated pitch which slowed down the flow of the game drastically – terminating various promising attacks.
Andreas Govas was sandwiched in between two Knights defenders as he showed his determination to prevail with the ball – resulting the referee pointing to the spot.
The 21st minute spot kick was placed into the top right by Ellis as O’Farrell was sent the wrong way.
The North Sunshine-based club squandered various openings through Stipo Andrijasevic, who had his promising cross obstructed – and Colosimo, who lost the ball as he became swarmed by the Bergers backline.
Jason Hicks arguably had the best opportunity to settle the scoreline as his 31st minute long-range effort forced custodian Chris Theodoridis on his toes as he palmed the shot out of harm’s way.
The visitors were on the verge of putting a second away as Athiu rocketed another close-range header in the second minute of stoppage time, which was again well saved by O’Farrell.
The home team attempted to capitalise on Heidelberg’s inability to flow on the soaked pitch in the second half, pushing forward with efforts from Robbie Zadworny and Hicks who both failed to test the opposition keeper.
Chris Theodoris was on the receiving end of a caution 13 minutes from full-time as he took more time than allowed in collecting the ball for his goal kick.
The home side severed a chance to draw level through a 78th minute header from Luke Jurcic off a Andrijasevic cross, which was impressively tipped over by Theodoris.
The match concluded at 1-0; Heidelberg finished the stronger after collecting most of the play in the last 15 minutes, although they failed to put away a second.
Coach George Katsakis was impressed with how his side played, and hailed his side’s ability to move the ball around fluently, despite the conditions.
“We worked all week on shifting the ball fairly quick, however that sort of play was nullified very quick with the conditions,” the manager explained.
“We did speak about the way the passing and the areas that we’re playing our pass into had to be fairly precise.
“And I think for the duration of that game I can’t remember a ball not being played into feet or into an area that we can run to and at least create the positive percentage.”
The boss was full of praise for both new signings Phil Petreski and Jordan Wilkes, equally as impressed at his team’s ability to fill places where needed.
Wilkes returned to Olympic Village after a stint at Northcote City – scoring twice in 39 appearances – while Petreski transferred from Melbourne City.
“With the amount of players we got injured at the moment, It’s important that the people that step in take that next step in the initiative,” Katsakis said.
“I thought Phil Petrevski was amazing today, even for 30 minutes or so. He kept possession really well, he played people in some really good areas.
“Jordan Wilkes came on defensively, I think there was a crucial tackle that he got on to a 50/50 challenge.
“They’re the difference, it’s those little one percenters that all make the difference at the end of the day.”
Midfielder Jack Petrie also heaped praise onto the former Melbourne City NPL captain, hailing his experience and work ethic.
“[Petreski] obviously has good pedigree coming from Melbourne City, [he’s a] great ball player and he never gives the ball away. So he’ll fit in really well and add a lot to the squad,” Petrie said.
Katsakis also appeared radiant after the 1-0 victory, as he praised his team’s fresh start to the ‘new’ season after picking up maximum points and failing to concede as of yet.
“[We’ve played] two very big games, in South Melbourne and Melbourne Knights, traditionally two big derbies and we got maximum points,” Katsakis beamed.
“We did say at the halfway mark, we put that aside and we put that away. We’re now into a new 13 game season and we need to win as many as we can in 13 [games].
“We’re two [games] for two and we’re six goals for zip in terms of conceding. So two clean sheets and six goals [scored] is a great start.”
Melbourne Knights are on the road to John Cain Memorial Reserve this coming round as they will look to pick up points against a bottom placed Northcote City side, while Heidelberg are also on the road to Pascoe Vale – who have taken home zero points from their past three games.
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Heidelberg United 1 (Ellis 23’) defeated Melbourne Knights 0 at Knights Stadium [HT 0-1]
Melbourne Knights 1. Michael O’FARRELL (GK), 23. Timmy PURCELL, 6. Damien MISKULIN, 11. Nikola JURKOVIC, 19. Nick GLAVAN, 16. Jason HICKS, 8. James McGARRY, 18. Josh BREKALO, 17. Robbie ZADWORNY, 21. Stipo ANDRIJASEVIC (c), 10. Marijan CVITKOVIC
Substitutes: 20. Harry CAKARUN, 2. Luke JURCIC, 3. Michael GRCIC, 9. Jacob COLOSIMO, 12. Anthony DEZIC
Heidelberg United: 1. Chris THEODORIS (GK), 2. Josh WILKINS, 13. Luke BYLES (c), 17. Steve PACE, 7. Reuben WAY, 10. Jack PETRIE, 6. Lewis HALL, 11. Kosta KANAKARIS, 21. Andreas GOVAS, 19. Sean ELLIS, 12. Kenny ATHIU
Substitutes: 4. Johnny LAZARIDIS, 5. Philip PETRESKI, 24. Emmanuel TSAKIRIS, 15. Jordan WILKES, 23. Jack EVANS