A team wearing a Breakers logo won the game but why Melbourne Knights were wearing borrowed shirts is a mystery. The Melbourne Knights hoodoo continues (is it something in the name?) with the team which dominated proceedings failing to win - perhaps Sterrey being outplayed at his own game by Vlado Vanis.
The game started at a slow pace and it wasn't until the 11th minute that I noted a mixup in the Breakers area and shortly after Mark Silic (MK) hitting a shot which Bobby Catlin palmed over, whilst Newcastle got into the Knights area with intent after 17 mins. The Breakers then kicked up a gear and at 26min Johnny Buonavoglia (JB) hit wide from a corner by Sprod and then wide off a Travis Dodd pass. Dodd was causing problems with his running on the right. At 35mins Pryce hit a soft shot straight at Knights keeper Martin John who was in my humble opinion Man of the Match.
Andy Roberts just before half-time had a great chance when his volley off a Brad Weiczorek (Witchy) pass was well save by that same John. After the oranges the game again took time to lift but by 67 mins Sprod hit an absolute screamer from 25m which John blocked then Pryce miss-kicked while on the ground in the box. Witchy hit wide and then Andy Harper 'cleaned up' John off-camera. He was then a marked man. Knights were playing on the break and this was rewarded in the 70th min when they forced a corner and when Rados hit his tight low cross Mark Wilson' glancing contact steered the ball over Catlin and in for an own goal.
The Breakers dominated from then on and throwing men forward in waves which constantly broke on the rocks of the Melbourne defence. Harper had a great chance with a header straight to John off a Dodd cross, and Tomich hit weakly straight at John. Newcastle were to get no Joy from the game and the final omen was Harper's Red Card by NZ referee Brian Precious for retaliation (off camera) and Breakers captain Pryce a Yellow for desent.
If the Breakers are to make the final we must be able to 'kill off' teams and win these ones at home. This will be made harder by Harper's at least 2 games absence. The limbo bar has been lifted. Can Newcastle respond by bending their backs and getting those 10 points from under the 27point bar? Two losses at home now but still 4th on the table.