A plethora of goals on show in the NPL Victoria this week as Oakleigh Cannons finally made up some ground on ladder leaders South Melbourne, who saw their 11 game winning streak come to a mighty halt following the 3-0 result between the two sides.
Green Gully continue to show signs of life after a convincing, and quite frankly brutal, destruction of Northcote City 6-2, who themselves haven’t tasted success in six attempts.
Speaking of tasting success, the Knights have won their second game in three starts, after a 4-2 win over the struggling Ballarat Red Devils.
Bentleigh Greens continue to patch up their wounds following a barren May, notching up their second win in succession, this time against Hume City 3-0. Another big score line saw Dandy Thunder put four past a hapless Goulburn Valley to compound more misery onto the bottom placed club.
Pascoe Vale opened the round with a 2-0 away win over Port Melbourne, whilst Heidelberg United’s score draw with Werribee capped off proceedings for the week.
Port Melbourne 0 defeated by Pascoe Vale SC 2 at JL Murphy Reserve
With victory on Friday night, Pascoe Vale extended their winning run to three games straight in the NPL. Whilst not the most convincing of wins for Vale, their defence stood strong to repel the Shark’s attack as they spent the majority of the game defending their lead.
Davey van ‘t Schip gave the away side that lead in the sixth minute as he saw his delicate lob float over ‘keeper Adam Hrehoresin and into the net. Joseph Youssef then had Pascoe Vale’s second of the half, which gave them such much needed breathing space.
The win sees Pascoe Vale move up to eight on the NPL ladder, whilst Port Melbourne slide closer to relegation, with two points separating them and second last Ballarat.
Oakleigh Cannons 3 defeated South Melbourne 0 at Jack Edwards Reserve
The invincible’s no more are South Melbourne as Oakleigh Cannons not only beat the ladder leaders, but quite rightly dispatched of them. This game was billed as not only the match of the round, but without doubt the match of the season so far. With a packed Jack Edwards Reserve eager to witness a good contest, it was the Cannons who fired on all cylinders to deliver South their first loss of the season.
In case you missed it > D’Angelo: My biggest game
The first half had many supporters doubting whether the game would live up to the hype, after they witnessed a scoreless 45 minutes of football. The second half was chalk and cheese as the ball worked it’s way into the net a staggering three times.
Evan Christodoulou’s long range effort to open proceedings got both the players and the supporters up and about. The impressive Goran Zoric then played through striker Nate Foster, who promptly accepted, slotting home his sides second. Oakleigh weren’t done there as they made a mockery of South’s proud 2014 record, smashing home a third through Zoric, who’s neat finish into the bottom corner saw the Cannons gain ground on their opponents.
Read More > Foster enjoying life at Oakleigh
Green Gully SC 6 defeated Northcote City 2 at Green Gully Reserve
It was only a month ago that Green Gully were a side in crisis. On the contrary, reigning premiers Northcote City had put aside their lacklustre start to the season to finally string together a series of results. Fast forward to now, and a 6-2 result would’ve seemed reasonable, had the scoreline been reversed that is.
Gully have taken their time to settle into the NPL this year, but after stringing together their third straight win, things are starting to look a lot more rosy around the club. Northcote on the other hand have only one win from their last six starts, with that coming against bottom placed Goulburn Valley.
The home side start the game in ominous fashion, putting their first through in the second minute through Jem Berkant. The action didn’t stop there as Liam Wooding equalised for City before Osagie Ederaro clinically put away a first half hat-trick. Matthew Sanders scored a goal either side of the break, before being denied a hat-trick of his own after his injury time penalty was saved low by ‘keeper Chris Theodoridis.
Goulburn Valley Suns 0 defeated by Dandenong Thunder SC 4 at McEwan Reserve
Dandenong Thunder put three goals past the Goulburn Valley Suns in a rampant first half effort which included a collectors item from defender Ramazan Tavsancioglu, who opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a perfectly struck volley from outside the box. Two goals in the latter stages of the term to Jake Nakic – who injured himself in the process – and Brendan Craig saw the Thunder head into the break with a more than comfortable lead.
The Suns created very little in the first half despite the backing of the home support and the second half was no different. Marcus Schroen nodded home a fourth goal in the 80th minute to seal a comprehensive victory for Dandenong.
Hume City FC 0 defeated by Bentleigh Greens 3 at Broadmeadows Valley Park
Bentleigh ran riot in the second half, putting three goals past a stunned Hume City to secure back-to-back victories for the first time since Round 6.
Wayne Wallace opened the scoring for the Greens from a corner before Tom Matthews scored the all-important sealer in the 70th minute; his goal a neat outside of the foot finish.
Hume had chances of their own to get back into the match, but a combination of bad finishing, good keeping and a stubborn upright ensured the Bentleigh clean sheet stayed intact.
Luke O’Dea slotted home right at the death to further bloat the score line in what was a fairly even contest.
Melbourne Knights 4 defeated Ballarat Red Devils 2 at Knights Stadium
Isn’t it a luxury to have a defender who can push up the ground and impact the scoreboard at the other end? The Knights, for all their form woes, are blessed in that sense as defender Michael Grgic slotted home twice in the first-half, whilst coming only a whisker away from a hat-trick.
Simon Murphy gave Ballarat the lead midway through the first half before Grgic nabbed two from set pieces to give the home side the lead. Shaun Romein, who was later sent off, slotted home from the penalty spot to restore parity, before Daniel Visevic’s delightful free-kick left those at Knights Stadium in raptures.
Shayan Alinejad sealed the points five minutes from time before Shaun ensured that not a single Romein finished the game on the pitch for Ballarat, after getting sent off for a second bookable offence deep into stoppage time. Brothers Tristan and Aaron Romein warmed the bench for the 90 minutes.
Heidelberg United 2 drew with Werribee City 2 at Olympic Village
Both coaches went home unhappy after underdogs Werribee City came back from a goal down to take a point from Heidelberg United, who extend their undefeated streak to eight games.
Werribee City took the lead through centre-back Steven Cudrig, who’s developed a knack for scoring important goals, heading home his fourth for the season. Daniel Heffernan then restored parity from the penalty spot later in the first half before a calamitous error saw Tommy Dunn put the ball into his own net following Kaine Sheppard’s cross from the by-line. Two defensive errors had Bee’s coach Nino Ragusa seething.
“[We are a] very young team that’s making simple errors and at this level you get crucified for it. Crucified. It’s not a level where you can probably get away with stuff like that,” said Ragusa in the wake of their match.
Continue Reading > Ragusa dissapointed with draw
Domenico Marafioti’s tap in at the far post did ensure Werribee escaped with a draw, not the hiding that Ragusa’s comments may have suggested.
Read More > Katsakis: A matter of capitalising
***
An astounding 28 goals across eight NPL 1 games this week – 26 coming from six of them – ensured that crowds across the state were more that happy with the football on offer. That was unless you were on the receiving end of a hiding.
Box Hill United opened the round in ominous fashion as they thrashed Whittlesea Ranges 7-1 away from home. The big results didn’t stop there as FC Bulleen Lions romped home, putting six past Sunshine George Cross. Three goal margins separated North Geelong and St Alban Saints (3-0) as well as Richmond SC and Brunswick (4-1).
In the rounds more ‘tamer’ games, Avondale Heights continued their impressive season, notching up win number 10 for the season with a 1-0 result over Springvale White Eagles. A similar 1-0 score line separated FC Bendigo and Kingston City, the former earning their third win as a club and their first clean sheet.
The final game of the round saw Moreland Zebras account for Dandenong City, 2-1 the final margin.
Whittlesea Ranges 1 defeated by Box Hill United 7 at Epping Stadium
Box Hill United travelled to Epping Stadium to take on strugglers Whittlesea Ranges, and they enjoyed a six goal buffer for their troubles.
The match was somewhat spoiled for Box Hill, who’s dominant performance was spoiled by a goal to Mile Ristov at the death for the Ranges.
The signs were well and truly there early as Kenjok Athiu scored in the opening minute, before Rinor Muriqi netted only moments later. Athiu made it an unbelievable three in nine minutes as he nodded home from Muriqui’s corner.
Two second half goals to Josh Valadon and a second for Muriqui made it a hat-trick of braces; not everyday you see that! Chris Irwin made it seven unanswered for United as he struck late into the contest.
Richmond SC 4 defeated Brunswick City 1 at Kevin Bartlett Reserve
Richmond have safely navigated the potential banana peel that was bottom placed Brunswick City to win 4-1 at home.
Oktay Oztekin started the hearts of every Richmond supporter at Kevin Bartlett Reserve as he gave Brunswick a shock early lead. Whilst they fell into the trap of defending their goal advantage, Richmond ensured they did their part, clinically putting two goals into the Brunswick net before half-time, Joshua Knight and Hamlet Armenian the goal scorers.
Goals at the death to captain Tom Cahill and a pearler of a strike from substitute Mitchell Beamish gifted Richmond a win which in truth, wasn’t as convincing as the score line suggests.
For the full report, click on the link below!
Match Report > Richmond, Brunswick extend NPL 1 runs
Avondale Heights 1 defeated Springvale White Eagles 0 at Avondale Heights Reserve
A low scoring affair saw Avondale Heights continue their surge towards promotion after a solitary goal was enough for the club to secure a ninth straight win, although the White Eagles didn’t make it easy for the home side.
With rain wreaking havoc pre-match, the game play suffered in the first half, in which both side struggled to create. As the game opened up, it was the in-form Andrew Le Page whose bullet like effort into the near post split the sides. Springvale pushed hard in the closing stages for an equaliser, but fell just short of an upset in the end.
Sunshine George Cross 1 defeated by FC Bulleen Lions 6 at Chaplin Reserve
What appeared to be a close game on paper before kick-off turned into a rout of the highest order. With both sides having shown some good form so far this season, it was Bulleen who were able to get up for the big game, amassing a staggering six goals past Sunshine George Cross, who had kept clean sheet’s in the two games prior.
NPL1 player of the month Joey Katebian was the man to systematically dissect Sunshine, scoring a brace – including the match opener – and laying on an assist for striker Paul Harvey. Strike’s to Alex Dao and Davide Cardamone in the first half more than accounted for Manuell Sadik goal for Sunshine, in a scoreline that read 4-1 going into the break. Katebian’s second of the afternoon and a further goal to Dean Romas ensured a healthy boost to the goal difference for Bulleen.
Kingston City 0 defeated by FC Bendigo 1 at The Grange Reserve
FC Bendigo took home just their third win in the clubs history as they overcame Kingston City by the solitary goal. It was also the clubs first ever clean sheet, something that player-coach Steve Martin was particularly proud of.
“I think that it just gives us that belief because I think defensively it’s our first clean sheet for the year so to do that in that fashion, away from home, I’m pleased with the boys,” said Martin after the win.
Continue Reading > Martin: Great opportunity for Bendigo
Jonathan Ryan was the hero for Bendigo as his 29th minute goal proved the difference between the two sides.
Read More > Karvelis chasing new Victory deal
St Alban Saints 0 defeated by North Geelong Warriors 3 at Churchill Reserve
New North Geelong Warriors coach Micky Čolina took absolutely no time to endear himself to the fans after masterminding a 3-0 win against St Alban to get that winning feeling back around the club.
A Michael Anderson brace, both supplied by defender Nathan Long, bookended the game, with Robert Zadworny slotting home in between to secure three points for the regional outfit.
Moreland Zebras 2 defeated Dandenong City 1 at State Football Centre
Moreland strung together their second straight win at the expense of Dandenong City, who they’ve now leapfrogged in the NPL1 standings. The Zebras had to work hard for the points, coming from behind to snatch an important victory.
Goran Jozeljic scored a sweetly struck chip shot inside the box to open the account for the match. City went about defending their lead for the first 45 minutes but when Nick Symeoy scored just after the break, the momentum shifted. James Papdimitriou was the one to capitalise as he decided to try and match Jozeljic’s first half effort with a chipped goal of his own.
***
The Women’s Premier League may have had a weeks hiatus but there was still plenty of women’s action to cover in Victoria with the Women’s State Knockout Cup dishing up three tasty clashes in the quarter-finals stage.
South Melbourne became the first team to put their name in the hat as they beat Bundoora United in injury time, thanks to a last minute goal. League leaders Bulleen Lions joined South soon after, as they accounted for Heidelberg United 2-0 at Olympic Village. A 4-0 drubbing of State League 1 side Brighton SC by Sandringham SC ensured the semi-finals has a distinct WPL flavour to it.
The other club in the draw, and the only club in the lower leagues, is State League 1 side Melbourne University, who have State League 4 South team Warragul United to thank for their safe passage after the latter forfeited from the clash due to issues with scheduling.
South Melbourne 1 defeated Bundoora United 0 (aet) at State Football Pitch
It was drama central as South Melbourne stole a late, late win from under the nose of a valliant Bundoora United. A Tiffany Eliadis goal right at the death was enough for South to earn their spot in the semi-final draw.
Read More > Eliadis: We’re more determined
Whilst the game started slowly, both sides worked their way into their groove, venturing out from their cul-de-sac in the second half. Enza Barilla saw her effort on the back post cleared by a covering South defender midway through the half before Eliadis got herself into the thick of things. The attacking midfielder forced two good saves out of Budoora keeper Tori Snelleksz, including one in 94th minute which allowed the game to push into extra-time.
Unfortunately for the keeper, it was Eliadis who had the last laugh as she scored from a corner in the last minute of extra-time to put South through at the expense of a Bundoora side that gave their all.
For the full report, click on the link below!
Match Report > Late South show seals cup semi berth
Heidelberg United 0 defeated by FC Bulleen Lions 2 at Olympic Village
A relatively comfortable win for Bulleen Lions as they contained Heidelberg well throughout the contest. Early goals in both halves destroyed any momentum the Bergers had planned on building, effectively killing the contest off.
Emily Coppock opened the scoring in the sixth minute, making herself the recipient of some questionable keeping, tapping home from close range. The Lions second came through Tessa Sernio, who slotted home through a sea of legs to put the result beyond doubt. Olivia Edwards played the role of architect for both goals, teeing up both her team-mates.
Read More > Edwards eyeing the double
For the full report, click on the link below!
Match Report > Lions Join South Melbourne in Semi-Finals draw
Sandringham SC vs Brighton SC at Kingston Heath
A brace to forward Emma Runnall was the centre point of Sandringham’s 4-0 drubbing of State League 1 side Brighton SC as they progressed through to the semi-finals stage of the cup in comfortable fashion.
Runnals opened the scoring in the ninth minute, slotting home past a hesitant Sarah Fraser-Jones to break the deadlock. Stephanie Tanti ensured an upset didn’t brew as she blasted home from the edge of the area to make it 2-0 before the half’s conclusion.
A further strike to Runnalls and a sealer from Hannah Stuart in the 69th minute ensured their safe passage into the next stage, with a WPL clash against Boroondara Eagles next on the agenda for Sandringham.
Match Report > Sandy too strong for Brighton
Melbourne University SC won by forfeit against Warragul United