Knights Display Unity

As they bowed their heads in memory of George Best before last weekend's kickoff, you have to wonder what else was going through the minds of the Knights' latest starting eleven. Something must have collectively clicked into place, because the team finally put in a good performance, out-shooting though failing to outscore Melbourne in their tight 3-2 loss. In their earlier (and only) victory over the Mariners in round three, the Knights were punished in terms of attempts at goal (25-8) and attempts on target (10-2) but somehow came out on top where it counts, winning 2-0. Against Melbourne, the Knights sometimes dominated play and actually launched more shots on goal (23-16) and more on target (12-10) than their cross-Tasman rivals.

Are things starting to turn around? Unfortunately, the loss of captain and defensive lynchpin Danny Hay due to an internal squabble during the week was probably instrumental in the loss. Given Victory's own woes at the moment, it was a perfect chance for the Knights to steal a win. Their resurgence in the face of so much adversity was great to see, but the lack of a pay off on the scoreboard for all that positive effort was very disappointing. Not once this year have the Knights managed to salvage a draw, which to me seems to speak volumes about the lack of spirit, determination and character in the change room. The late emergence of locals such as Jeremy Brockie, Kris Bright, Jeremy Christie and Cole Tinkler has given the Knights some temerity, but since these younger heads still require guidance on the pitch the departure of Hay at such a critical moment is deeply unfortunate.

When a squad utterly fails to make an impression in a competition, usually it's the manager who puts up their hand and takes a fall on behalf of the team. But coach John Adshead, who took New Zealand to their only World Cup in 1982, is nothing short of a legend in his homeland. It could well be Leeds cast-off Hay, then, who makes a less than graceful exit from the club. I for one won't be all that surprised if he's not back in the regular lineup after the long break in December.