A SUPERB early goal to Preston was cancelled out late by Melbourne Knights to ensure the points were shared in a pulsating encounter at Bt Connor Reserve.
The game started at break neck speed, with the Knights pushing for an early goal away from home and almost finding one, Boric unluckily denied by the upright.
However it would be Preston that would take an early lead, Sapazovski brilliantly opening the scoring with a strike from outside the box which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar in the 10th minute.
The gamed continued to progress at a high tempo, and the Knights were unlucky not to have squared scores up in the 20th minute, Pelikan netting, but was adjudged to have taken the ball illegally from Lupce Acevski’s clutches.
Preston was eager to take the cushion of a second goal into halftime, and were unlucky not to do so with Micovski smashing a shot against the bar following a goal mouth scramble.
The Knights however would have considered themselves unlucky not to go into the break on even ground, Kiratzoglou found himself unmarked in the box, but was unable to direct his header on target.
The second half began with a flurry of chances, the best falling to Petrevski who could only lash his strike high and wide after a neat one two opened up the Lion’s back four.
Elvin would go closer still again just five minutes later, his header brilliantly cleared off the Preston goal line.
By this stage, the Knights had taken a virtual monopoly on possession and with the possession came increased pressure on a hard working and disciplined Preston defensive unit.
Two top shelf saves from Preston skipper Acevski and a ball cleared off the line in the 80th minute left Preston still clinging to a slender lead.
The Knights continued to press in search of an equalising goal, only for Acevski to brilliantly deny goalward bound strikes in the 82nd and 84th minutes.
However, late drama was to follow, and the Knights ultimately found the goal they richly deserved for their endeavours.
Pelikan ghosted into the box to slot home a 90th minute equaliser and spark wild celebrations from the Knights faithful.
Scores were now locked up at 1-1, but the further drama was to follow.
Petrevski found himself with the ball at his feet in the 93rd minute just six yards from the goal, but was desperately unlucky to have his effort denied once again by the woodwork.
A great effort from Preston following a drubbing at the hands of the Green Gully a week ago.
However it would be Preston that would take an early lead, Sapazovski brilliantly opening the scoring with a strike from outside the box which crashed in off the underside of the crossbar in the 10th minute.
The gamed continued to progress at a high tempo, and the Knights were unlucky not to have squared scores up in the 20th minute, Pelikan netting, but was adjudged to have taken the ball illegally from Lupce Acevski’s clutches.
Preston was eager to take the cushion of a second goal into halftime, and were unlucky not to do so with Micovski smashing a shot against the bar following a goal mouth scramble.
The Knights however would have considered themselves unlucky not to go into the break on even ground, Kiratzoglou found himself unmarked in the box, but was unable to direct his header on target.
The second half began with a flurry of chances, the best falling to Petrevski who could only lash his strike high and wide after a neat one two opened up the Lion’s back four.
Elvin would go closer still again just five minutes later, his header brilliantly cleared off the Preston goal line.
By this stage, the Knights had taken a virtual monopoly on possession and with the possession came increased pressure on a hard working and disciplined Preston defensive unit.
Two top shelf saves from Preston skipper Acevski and a ball cleared off the line in the 80th minute left Preston still clinging to a slender lead.
The Knights continued to press in search of an equalising goal, only for Acevski to brilliantly deny goalward bound strikes in the 82nd and 84th minutes.
However, late drama was to follow, and the Knights ultimately found the goal they richly deserved for their endeavours.
Pelikan ghosted into the box to slot home a 90th minute equaliser and spark wild celebrations from the Knights faithful.
Scores were now locked up at 1-1, but the further drama was to follow.
Petrevski found himself with the ball at his feet in the 93rd minute just six yards from the goal, but was desperately unlucky to have his effort denied once again by the woodwork.
A great effort from Preston following a drubbing at the hands of the Green Gully a week ago.
