By Matthew Naqvi (@MatthewNaqvi)

Melbourne Knights enjoyed a hard-fought victory at Hosken Reserve, defeating Pascoe Vale 2-0 on Friday night.

Knights were resolute in defence and had enough chances up front for Jacob Colosimo to capitalise with two goals in the second half to secure them the three points.

Pascoe Vale came out strong with both Joseph Youssef and Davey Van’t Schip having half chances in front of goal. Melbourne had a couple of chances of its own, but Stefaan Sardelic was rock solid in front of goal for Pascoe Vale. 

In the first 30 minutes of play, both teams relied on the long ball for most of their attacks, but they came to no prevail. The contest in the midfield was very even and quite tough at times, with some very solid but fair challenges.

Yellow cards to Pascoe Vale players Luca Santilli and Mark Pistininzi within six minutes highlighted the growing confidence in the Knights’ possession in midfield.

Play got underway in the second half and both teams continued to play in a similar manner as the first.

Pascoe Vale continued its push towards goal, maintaining and playing possession around the penalty resulting in a shot from outside the box just going over the crossbar.

Goalkeeper Christopher May was forced into a moment of brilliance when he went one-on-one with Youseff, but he made two saves in a row before making a third after another effort.

Shortly afterwards the visitors increased their pressure and movement forward in the search of a goal and it paid off when Pascoe Vale goalkeeper Sardelic brought down McGarry in the box, resulting in a penalty.

Jacob Colosimo stepped up to the spot kick and made no mistake.

Fired up from the goal against them, Pascoe Vale lifted its intensity and went forward with purpose.

In the 77th minute the hosts had a charge forward where Youssef was just outside the box attempted to chip the ball to a teammate, but it seemingly hit the hand of a Knights defender. The referee didn’t call it and the home fans were vocal with their disapproval.

Pascoe Vale was seemingly only moments away from getting an equaliser to share a point, but a long ball forward opened up its defence and Colosimo was able to get on the end of it and slot it past Sardelic, sealing the points for Knights.

Knights goalkeeper Christopher May was pleased with his side’s performance and said his squad would only get better as the season progresses.

"They made it tricky for us, with a few wide balls and quite skilful players caused us a few problems,” May said.

"Once we weathered that, the first half was an even game, second half they had a couple of early chances but then we got into our own and into our rhythm. We created some chances and finally got some goals.

"The coach (Andrew Marth) wasn’t happy at half time, he thought we needed to move the ball quicker, and be cautious of the longer grass. Come the second half we did that and found the goals.

"It’s great to have three wins to start the year (including the Dockerty Cup). Whether it’s a league game or a cup game we want to get the win on the board and take the points into the next game.”

Knights will host Werribee City in Round 3, while Pascoe Vale will be searching for its first points away to Bentleigh Greens.

MATCH DETAILS

FT: Pascoe Vale 0 lost to Melbourne Knights 2 (Jacob Colosimo 63’ + 88’) at Hosken Reserve [HT:0-0]

Melbourne Knights: Christopher MAY (GK), Sam TORRENS, Ben SUREY Milan BATUR, Tomislav USKOK, James McGARRY (Anthony DUZEL 90+2’), Jacob COLOSIMO, Anthony COLOSIMO (Michael SIMMS 74’), Antun KOVACIC, Rodrigo COVARRUBIAS (Marijan CVITKOVIC 57’), Daniel VISEVIC

Unused Subs: Michael O’FARRELL, Shayan ALINEJAD

Yellow Cards: Tomislav Uskok (66’)

Red Cards: None

Pascoe Vale: Stefaan SARDELIC (GK), Adrian TALARICO, Nathen MEGIC, Roberto DI VITO, Luca SANTILLI, Joseph YOUSSEF, Davey VAN’T SCHIP, Alvaro CARRILLO, Mark PISTININZI (Tomislav MILARDOVIC 79’), Michael FERRANTE, Carl RECCHIA

Unused Substitutes: Eli LUTTMER, Adrian TALARICO, Matthew LAZARIDES, Jonathan VOULGARIS, Yaren SOZER

Yellow Cards: Santilli (34’), Mark Pistininzi (40’),

Red Cards: None

Pictured: Jacob Colosimo (right) celebrates his brace (image credit: Steve Starek)