In an electrifying encounter at Knights Stadium, Green Gully SC battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw against Melbourne Knights, continuing their unbeaten run and showcasing their attacking prowess and resilience.
The match began with Green Gully setting the tempo, and it wasn’t long before they broke the deadlock. In the 16th minute, Mohamed Adam continued his rich vein of form, netting his fifth goal in three games. The goal was a product of some excellent play from Gianluca Iannucci, who drove into the box from the right wing, exhibiting skill and determination. His cross was parried by Knights’ keeper Chris Oldfield, but Adam was perfectly positioned to slot home the rebound, giving Gully a deserved lead.
Despite Gully’s early dominance, Melbourne Knights equalized on the stroke of half-time through Gian Albano. The goal was a swift counterattack, initiated after Gully’s attack was halted at the edge of the Knights’ box. Albano picked up the ball in his own half, surged forward, and played a precise ball to Ciaran Bramwell. Bramwell’s cut-back found Albano at the penalty spot, where he finished with aplomb, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The second half began disastrously for Gully, with the Knights taking the lead just two minutes in. Bramwell capitalized on a defensive lapse, finishing from close range to make it 2-1. Moments later, Ben Carrigan extended the Knights’ advantage to 3-1, tapping in from an inswinging corner to put Gully on the back foot.
However, Green Gully’s response was swift and decisive. In the 57th minute, young talent Shifa Ahmed continued his impressive form by pulling one back for Gully. Iannucci, instrumental once again, provided a beautifully weighted through ball to Ahmed. Displaying remarkable composure, Ahmed controlled the ball on the right flank, cut inside onto his left foot, and curled a delightful finish into the far post, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
Gully’s persistence paid off as they leveled the scores in the 67th minute through Josh Hope. Iannucci, having an outstanding game, was the architect, picking up the ball in his own half after being found by Adam. Spotting Hope’s run from deep, Iannucci delivered a pinpoint pass that Hope latched onto following a mix-up between the Knights’ defender and goalkeeper. Hope calmly slotted home via the post, making it 3-3 and setting up a grandstand finish.
Both sides pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Gully’s defense, marshaled by captain Taylor Schrijvers, held firm to secure a valuable point on the road. The draw leaves Gully with a sense of both relief and opportunity, having demonstrated their attacking flair and fighting spirit to come back from a two-goal deficit.
This result keeps Green Gully SC within touching distance of the top six as they continue to build momentum in the second half of the season. With standout performances from Iannucci, Ahmed, and Adam, Gully fans have plenty to be optimistic about as the team looks to climb the ladder and secure a finals berth.
In the under-23s, the Gully boys continued their incredible run of form, beating Melbourne Knights 2-0.
The win keeps Green Gully top of the pile, where they lead second-placed South Melbourne by five points after 13 games.
The continued success of the Green Gully Under-23s, whilst also supplying a new generation of talent for the senoir side is a remarkable endorsement of the fine work being carried out by our junior coaches and Technical Directors.
