The valley is soft grey and mauve, a wash of impressionist watercolour, bathed in fine mizzle, like a comforting memory that patters faintly on the cosy cocoon of my waterproofs. A few weeks before lockdown, on a brooding day between seasons, I walked through the vale to visit his modest grave, then returned over High Rigg where I found the view that inspired one of his finest poems. In the 1800’s, it was home to a stonemason turned schoolteacher who became a minor celebrity when he published two volumes of dialect rhymes that capture the comedy and romance of Cumbrian life like few others could. Named for a 13th century’s hospice built by the Knights Hospitaller, St John’s in the Vale is an idyllic glacial valley, hemmed in by High Rigg & Helvellyn with Blencathra at its foot. Matteo Ballan, 77.High Rigg and the Poet Stonemason of St John’s in the Vale Knights fans who have pre-purchased their 2019 FFA Cup Round of 32 tickets will be able to collect these from the club’s main office or from the merchandise stand.ġ. Kick-off is tipped for 7:45pm with the Melbourne Croatia Club Rooms open for dinner from 5pm and the Beer Garden from 5:30pm. Given the state of both team’s 2019 seasons, a win is a must for both sides, with both likely gearing up for some healthy competition come this Friday night. However, since then, the side has only managed a single win. In the mid-season transfer window, the side brought in four new players in an effort to curb their early season lack of form and pull off a hard reset of sorts.
With only 17 points to their name, Paco haven’t been able to find their feet this season clocking in five wins, two draws and 14 losses. “The surgery went well and my rehab is coming along nicely, so fingers crossed I’ll be given the all clear in time for the FFA Cup.”Īfter finishing 2018 in fourth position, Pascoe Vale sit dangerously in 12 th position and are currently at risk of playing in this season’s promotion/relegation play off. Speaking on his injury, the younger keeper had this to say: The only major injury still lingering over the squad is prime keeper Harry Cakarun’s broken – but now healing – finger.
#THE KNIGHTS OF THE VALE FULL#
With the squad coming into more or less full fitness right in time as the Knights make a late charge towards a finals place, the squad will be aiming to repeat history this Friday night. This week sees the Knights come face to face with Pascoe Vale FC, an opponent they were able to get the better of back in round 9, securing a 3-1 win. To make finals, the Knights will need to break into the top six, which is currently rounded out by Oakleigh Cannons on 31 points. Last week’s draw sees the Knights end the round in tenth place on 27 points. With the end of season fast approaching, every point counts in the lead up to finals football. After 90 minutes of football, both sides walked away with muddy kits and a point in hand. The next eighty minutes saw a number of chances fall for the home side, but none ever finding the back of the net. However, the side made up for their poor start after Kiwi teammates Hamish Watson and Mohamed Awad combined to equalise. The Knights began the match on the back foot after going a goal down in the opening minute of play. With only three days’ rest, the Knights next played out another instalment of the OG Melbourne Derby, this time making the trip out to Lakeside Stadium to play off against perennial rivals South Melbourne FC. With no more goals for the rest of the match, the Knights were able to book themselves a spot in the Dockerty Cup final against fellow NPL side Hume City, to be played on August 10 th at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex. Seven minutes later, Mohamed Awad was able to pick Watson out in the box, giving him the opportunity to put his head to good use and score his second of the night. The second half saw the Knights play with a wind advantage and they were able to immediately equalise thanks to an 18 yard bullet from Hamish Watson.
Battling horrendous conditions including strong winds, rain and plummeting temperatures, the Lions were able to pinch the lead in the 19 th minute thanks to a goal from Phil Petreski. The mid-week Dockerty Cup clash saw the Knights take on former NPL side FC Bulleen Lions for a spot in the final. With the 2019 Dockerty Cup semi-final and another OG Melbourne Derby contributing to a heavy week of football, the Knights were able to find their rhythm and have a fruitful week on the park. The end of the 2019 NPL season is almost upon us Knights fans! Round 22 sees the Knight face off against their round 9 opponent – Pascoe Vale FC – in another Friday night footballing clash at Knights Stadium.