Knights Cement Top Four Spot in NPL & Advance Through to Final 16 In Australia Cup

the top corner from the edge of the area after the Knights pounced on a turnover high up the pitch. Lions, however, found their claws when Andy Pengelly sneaked into the penalty area and converted an Ivan Ozzi cross at the back post with a clinical �irst-time �inish, levelling the proceedings in the 34th minute.

But the Knights weren’t about to be tamed, with Su- maoro stamping his authority just two minutes later.

He rose majestically to head home a pinpoint Ivan Franjić cross at the back post, marking his eighth goal of the 2023 season. Sumaoro then turned creator in the 69th minute, �licking a Gevaro Nepomuceno cross back across the goalmouth for Hore to slot one past his former club. And to cap off this showcase of football �inesse, Albano sealed the deal in the 79th minute, breaking free from the Lions’ defensive grip on the receiving end of a Nepomuceno through ball and coolly �inishing one-on-one, notching his impressive 13th goal of the season.

As the week progresses, the Knights are eagerly awaiting the draw for the Round of 16 opponents, with the reveal set to unfold on Monday night after the �inal Round of 32 clashes. The action doesn’t stop there. The Knights are set to face off against Heidelberg United at Olympic Village on Saturday, 19th August. Win, lose, or draw, the Knights are destined to clinch 4th spot on the ladder, casting their gaze forward to the impending �inals. Kick-off for this clash is locked in for 15:00.