In cool conditions the Knights settled the better and looked the more impressive going forward through the efforts of their captain Kovacevic and new import Zolt. The first strike on goal coming in the 3 minuted when a good run and long range shot by Anthony Pelikan went just over the Falcons goal. The early pressure by the Knights unsettled the Falcons defence and lead to the first goal when a clumsy attempted clearance by Manny Gotis was pounced on by the experienced Ivan Kelic. Kelic turned his man on the edge of the box and slotted a well-placed shot into the back of the net. 1-0 Melbourne Knights.

The Falcons responded immediately with Dean Fak in the 15 minute having a strong header well saved by Acevski in the Knights goal and then Juan Nilo just missing with a glancing near post header in the 20 minute. The Falcons pressure paid dividends in the 28 minute when the Knights failed to clear the ball from their penalty area and Clayton Bell was tripped, earning a clear cut penalty. Andy Vargas calmly slotting the ball beyond the diving Acevski. 1-1.

The Falcons were now clearly on top and dictating play through the midfield. Andy Vargas and Clayton Bell linking well with MacNicol and Nilo causing real concerns for the Knights defenders with their pace.

The Falcons took a well-deserved lead in the 33 minute when one of many MacNicol runs down the left drew a corner. A well-rehearsed move saw a deep corner to the edge of the box well met by John Hutchinson with a strong header, which caught Acevski unsighted, and the Knights defenders flat footed. 2-1 Gippsland Falcons.

The Knights rallied towards the end of the half with a good effort by Adrian Cervinski from the edge of the box well saved by Djevdjevic in the Falcons goal.

The second half began with both sides continuing with their refreshing attacking play and the first chance falling to the hard working Juan Nilo after good lead up play by Brian MacNicol on the right. A teasing run and cut back found Nilo in space; his shot well block in the last line of defence.

The Knights were giving as good as they were getting, with Dragi Nastevski instrumental in most of their attacking moves. A miss placed back pass by Robbie Puca in the 60 minutes was scrambled away by Jevdjevic only as far as Nastevski whose powerful drive from a tight angle was well smothered by Jevdjevic having a solid game in the Falcons goal. Jevdjevic was again called into action when a great cross by Zolt was met by Zelic, only to have his shot well saved down low.

The third goal to the Falcons was a classic by man-of-the-match Andy Vargas. Vargas collected the ball on the half way line and proceeded to beat four Knights defenders before slotting a perfectly placed low shot into the bottom corner of the goal. 3-1 Gippsland Falcons.

The Falcons were suddenly playing with confidence that had been missing for several months and a party piece move in the 75 minute could have almost extended their lead. Great link up play and one-two’s between Sekulovski, Nilo and MacNicol opened the Knights defence with Sekulovski having only the keeper to beat. His shot well save by Acevski, keeping the Knights in the match.

The Knights lifted in the latter stages of the match with a well-taken goal by substitute Paul Urlovic in the 85 minute. A near post corner and perfectly timed glancing header by Urlovic left Jevdjevic and the Falcons defenders star gazing as the ball hit the back of the net. 3-2 Gippsland Falcons.

The final minutes saw both sides with chances to increase their goal tally, but the final result was a well deserved victory to a gallant Falcons who played with confidence and flair that has been missing in recent home performances.

Man of the match was midfield playmaker Andy Vargas for the Falcons. His ball control, passing and skills a delight to watch. His second goal one of the best seen at Mobil Park. Brian MacNicol played one of his best games of the season in his more suited wide position. His speed and teasing runs were a constant headache to the Knights defenders and a primary reason the Falcons came out victorious. Adrian Savage in the last line of defence for the Falcons, showed great speed, passion and commitment to keep the Falcons in the game when the Knights turned up the pressure.

Jevdjevic – Fak – Gotis – Savage – Katz - Puca ( Sekulovski 68 min)– Hutchinson – Vargas .A. – Bell – Nilo ( Mandic 90 min) - MacNicol Sub not used: Robertson

Acevski. – Rajher – Kovavcevic – Abbas ( Magdic 59 min) – Vargas .R. – Nastevski – Zolt ( Rados 75 min)– Kiratzoglou – Pelikan ( Urlovic 68 min) – Kelic – Cervinski

Yellow Cards: Gippsland Falcons - Gotis 35 min, Vargas 75 min,
Melbourne Knights - Abbas 57 min

Votes: 3 Vargas (Gippsland Falcons); 2 Mac Nicol (Gippsland Falcons); 1 Savage (Gippsland Falcons)