By AHMED YUSSUF (@ahmedyussuf10)

Photo BULENT YONTEM

Hume City and Melbourne Knights have played out a draw at ABD Stadium on Saturday night, after the hosts failed to make the most of their opportunities.

An incredible second half performance from Knights keeper Chris May proved to be the difference, with the custodian keeping Hume at bay and earning his side a point.

Melbourne Knights started the brighter of the two threatening earlier on with some neat interplay between James McGarry and Marijan Cvitkovic. But the attack broke down after some savvy defending from the Hume back four.

Hume looked dangerous on the counter as the half progressed.

After a Melbourne Knights attack fell through, Hume was immediately on the offensive. Captain Nick Hegarty released winger Ivan Pavlak through midfield, but Knights defender Milan Batur brought down Pavlak illegally.

Pavlak continued to be a nuisance for the Knights defense. The former Sydney United man swung in a cross for Jai Ingham, who was unable to find the target.

Knights hit back after Hume’s dominant period, forcing Hume into last ditch defending. Cvitkovic found space to run into inside the Hume penalty area but wasn’t able to get the requisite power in his tame effort on goal.

Hume’s attack lacked the cutting edge to find that elusive first goal.

Batur showed his experience and knowhow once again after outmuscling Hume striker Deng Aguek to a ball in from midfield.

Knights back five would prove to be at the centre of the action. Goalkeeper Christopher May put in a heroic display denying Hume on multiple occasions.

Winger Ingham lofted a marvelous ball into the path of Hegarty. The Hume captain sets himself on goal, but is thwarted by May who came out big to stop a shot from point blank range.

Moments later, May repeated the trick this time saving Joey Franjic’s shot from close range after a scramble inside the box.

Despite missing opportunities early, Hume continued to be on the offensive looking pacey in attack.

Ingham ran down the wing to slide across a pass into the feet of Hegarty. The attacker was unable to beat Knights gloveman who was equal to Hegarty’s effort on goal.

In the dying final moments of the game, Christopher May once again come out big for his side. Denying defender Matthew Hennessy’s header in a crowded box.

 

MATCH DETAILS:

Hume City 0 drew Green Gully 0 at ABD Stadium, Broadmeadows Valley Park

Hume City: 1. Chris Oldfield, 13. Shane Rexhepi, 16. Matt Hennessy, 5. Petar Franjic, 3. Shaun Timmins, 10. Joseph Franjic, 39. Nick Hegarty, 7. Jai Ingham (8. Calvin Mbarga 86), 4. Isyan Erdogan, 9. Deane Aguek (17. Marcus Shroen 46’), 11. Ivan Pavlak (19. Sam Beninato 74’).

Unused Subs: 2. Dean Tomeski, 20. Tom Banfield

Yellow card(s): 10. Joey Franjic 9’

Red card(s): None

 

Melbourne Knights: 1. Chris MAY, 4. Ben SUREY, 5. Milan BATUR, 6. Tomislav USKOK, 8. James McGARRY (15. Alex DAO 68’), 10.Marijan CVITKOVIC (7. Chris TALAJIC 68’), 11. Anthony COLOSIMO, 18. Joshua BREKALO, 21. Stipo ANDRIJASEVIC (9. Jacob Colosimo 90+1’), 23. Adrian ZAHRA, 27. Andrew BARISIC

Unused substitutes: 25. Hrvoje CAKARUN, 12. Ivan GRGIC

Yellow card(s): 5. Milan BATUR 6’, 21. Stipo ANDRIJASEVIC 19’, 27. Andrew BARISIC 87’, 7. Chris TALAJIC 90+1’

Red card(s): None