Suns defeated, but show fight right to the end

Matthew Galea

August 26 2014

Shepparton News

Goulburn Valley Suns slumped to a 3-0 defeat in their latest National Premier Leagues fixture.

Melbourne Knights were the Suns’ latest tormenters and the damage was done in the first 45 minutes of the contest at Knights Stadium on Sunday.

Michael Doyle opened the scoring for the Knights within 11 minutes when he turned home Daniel Visevic’s corner, before Marijan Cvitkovic made it 2-0 when a Shayan Alinejad cross found him unmarked.

Milan Batur made it 3-0 and rounded off the scoring in stoppage time of the first half when he scrambled home a scrappy effort with his chest.

The damage was done, but the Suns regrouped at half-time and put on a better second-half display to stop the bleeding.

However, they could not lessen the margin despite a gluttony of chances.

Craig Carley and Tom Langman missed opportunities from almost six-yards out with Michael O’Farrell pulling off some incredible saves to deny the Suns from close range, while they also hit the upright in the dying stages.

Riley Hamilton started for the Suns, as did youngster Joey Hogarty — who played 90 minutes — continuing the steep learning curve for the two local youngsters, coach David Davkovski said.

‘‘If they didn’t know what this level of football is about before, they do now,’’ Davkovski said.

‘‘Nothing changes, we keep playing these kids and get them ready for next year.

‘‘I was happy with the response in the second half and I think the Goulburn Valley Suns of 10 weeks ago would have gone on to lose 6-0.’’