NPL Victoria
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Yes, you read correctly, Oakleigh finally won a game, though they left it to stoppage time to do so! At the same time, Knights also dropped their first points of the season, succumbing to Bentleigh before drawing with the Cannons in the midweek fixture. Elsewhere, both Pascoe Vale and Port Melbourne had up and down weeks, thrashing Dandenong and North Geelong respectively, whilst also losing to Avondale and Heidelberg respectively, meaning the Bergers take top spot on the NPL ladder heading into the weekend.
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Pascoe Vale 5 (A. Nakic 9’, J. Nakic 10’, Santilli 60’, van’t Schip 68’, Ferrante 78′) defeated Dandenong Thunder 2 (Ahmed 1’, Korcari 79’) at Hosken Reserve.
Back at Hosken Reserve, Pascoe Vale sparked some “five-star” cliches on the internet for their five goal haul – scored by five different players – against Dandenong. Yet it was Thunder that raced out of the blocks through Ahmed Yusuf, who tucked the ball away after 34 seconds. Paco replied emphatically less than 10 minutes later, with both Nakic brothers striking within a minute of each other.
The onslaught continued after the break, with Luca Santilli, Davey van’t Schip and Michael Ferrante all adding goals through some suspect defending and goalkeeping. Veton Korcari scored a consolation, earning and converting a penalty.
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Melbourne Knights 0 defeated by Bentleigh Greens 3 (Holmes 28′, 59′, Lucas 61′) at Knights Stadium
Melbourne Knights came crashing back down to earth, succumbing to a 3-0 home defeat at the hands of fellow title-chasers Bentleigh Greens. In-form attacking mid Tyson Holmes broke the deadlock in emphatic fashion, smashing in a volley from a corner. Matt Thurtell was denied twice after the break by a sharp Chris May, but the pressure told as Holmes added a second goal soon after, with Chris Lucas sealing the three points minutes later.
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Avondale Heights 1 (Khrapko 36′) defeated by Oakleigh Cannons 2 (Bosjnak 87’(P), 90+2′) at Avondale Heights Reserve
It was looking like another bleak day for the Cannons after Oleksiy Khrapko sprung the offside trap to slot past John Honos. Avondale almost doubled their tally when Simon Tolli got on the end of a pinpoint cross, only to see his header cannon off the crossbar. He made Avondale’s task all the more difficult after seeing a second red card after the break.
It gave Oakleigh the incentive to push harder for the equaliser. They poked and prodded and finally got the breakthrough in the 87th minute when Goran Zoric was taken down in the box, with Dusan Bosnjak converting from the spot. He then send the travelling Oakleigh contingent into raptures, nicking the winner in stoppage time.
Green Gully 0 defeated by South Melbourne 2 (Lujic 75’, 90+4’) at Green Gully Reserve
A cagey opening half saw a Leigh Minopoulos effort questionably chalked off for offside, denying the visitors the early lead. After toiling away for 75 minutes, South Melbourne did eventually find the breakthrough through Milos Lujic, who rose to meet Dane Milovanovic’s expert delivery into the box and head past Kieran Gonzalez. The ‘keeper had an unfortunate moment deep into extra time, taking a heavy touch which Andy Brennan pounced on to unselfishly tee up Lujic for the easy tap in.
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North Geelong Warriors 0 defeated by Port Melbourne Sharks 4 (Rixon 12’, 39’, Oppermann 50’, Kearney 80’) at Elcho Park
It was a dark day for North Geelong down at Elcho Park, who succumbed to a 4-0 thumping by Port Melbourne. It could have been a different story had some early chances stuck fom the Warriors, with Reardo Luka’s effort saved and Matt Townley’s spilled shot cleared off the line. From there it was all Port, with Trent Rixon opening the scoring in the 12th minute and doubling his tally in the 39th. Ryan Opperman continued proceedings after the break, finishing a neat assist from Alan Kearney, before the latter put on the finishing touches from the penalty spot after Nicholas Krousoratis was taken down in the area.
Northcote City 0 defeated by Heidelberg United (Doumbalis 3’, Heffernan (p) 45’) at John Cain Memorial Reserve
Les Doumbalis got the Bergers off to the ideal start, taking advantage of some sloppy defending to smash home a rocket from a partially cleared corner. Northcote had a couple of gilt-edged chances to equalise, though both Marino Gasparis’ and Jonathan Bounas’ efforts were dealt with by Griffin McMaster. Things went from bad to worse as Kaine Sheppard’s goalbound shot struck Gasparis’ arm for a straight red, with Heffernan making no mistake with the penalty. The scores remained unchanged in the second half, with Sheppard’s stinging volley denied by the woodwork.
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Werribee City 1 (Cristaldo (p) 52′) drew Hume City 1 (Erdogan 8′) at Galvin Park
Werribee still search for that elusive first win of the win, though they keep edging closer, this time holding off a more fancied Hume outfit to a draw. The visitors took the lead early when Jai Ingham’s burst down the wing and delivery into the box wasn’t properly dealt with, allowing Issy Erdogan to pounce and fire past Frano Saric. Werribee toiled and worked their way into the contest, cancelling out the opener through Chris Cristaldo, who put away a penalty not long after half-time.
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Melbourne Knights 2 (Uskok 16′, Barisic 51′) drew with Oakleigh Cannons 2 (Boland 72′, 80′) at Knights Reserve
Oakleigh again had to claw back a deficit to get anything out of a contest, this time pipping a point off Melbourne Knights in the midweek fixture. Tomislav Uskok continued his rich goalscoring form, bundling over the opener in the 16th minute, amazingly the Knights’ first goal in the first half of any game this season. Andrew Barisic doubled the lead after the break, making the most of some sloppy Oakleigh defending to poke home the Knights’ second.
Miron Bleiberg wrung out the changes after the break and it worked a treat, with Liam Boland heading in John Black’s set-piece which held up in the wind, before another substitute, Ben Clarke crossed in a sumptuous ball for Boland to head home for the equaliser.
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Pascoe Vale 0 defeated by Avondale FC 1 (Principato 64′) at CB Smith Reserve
In a rather dull and flat contest, Pascoe Vale’s recent good form flew out the window as it struggled to break down a staunch Avondale defence. After a first half that saw few goalscoring opportunities, Jason Principato prevented the contest from descending into a scoreless encounter, putting away fullback Julien Cannazaro’s expert cross. Avondale held on for the win, securing their second win of the season and helping erase the heartache of the Oakleigh defeat.
Port Melbourne Sharks 0 defeated by Heiderberg United 2 (Way 2′, Athiu 90′) at JL Murphy Reserve
Heidelberg’s amazing away form continues, keeping a clean sheet in every game on the road. Like the clash against Northcote, the Bergers got off to the best possible start, scoring in the second minute after Kaine Sheppard played in Rueben Way for his first goal for the club. Port Melbourne fashioned a few chances thereafter, with Julius Davies missing one of the more gettable opportunities. Kenny Athiu sealed Heidelberg’s second 2-0 result of the week to help the team take top spot on the NPL ladder heading into the weekend.
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NPL 1 West
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Bendigo City 0 lost to Moreland Zebras 4 (Charalambous 18’, McMonagle-Ihasz 20’, Nikolic 48’ 56’) at Epsom Huntly Reserve
Moreland Zebras produced a dominant away display, dismantling Bendigo City 4-0. Danny Charalambous opened the scoring for the visitors in the 18th minute with his fourth goal of the campaign. He turned provider two minutes later, setting up Josh McMonagle-Ihasz to volley home and double the Zebras’ advantage.
Upon the resumption of play, it would prove to be the Joel Nikolic show with the former Green Gully forward netting twice in the space of eight minutes to all but seal the victory. Bendigo did their best to nab a late consolation but were to be denied as Moreland stormed home to go third in the West, while the home side slipped to sixth in the conference.
St Albans Saints 2 (Devlin 16′, Boras 44′) defeated Whittlesea Zebras 0 at Churchill Reserve
St Albans reclaimed second spot in the NPL1 West division after two first-half goals did the job for them against Whittlesea Ranges. Defender Nicholas Sarbin almost opened the scoring for the hosts when his spectacular long-range shot strike the crossbar. The Saints were not to be denied a second time as marksman Barry Devlin tapped in to open the scoring and slot home his third strike of the season.
Anthony Baros doubled the home side’s lead just before the break as his shot took a deflection and beat Gian Tapia in Ranges goals. Despite the visitors having more of the ball in the second half, Tapia had to be at his best to deny Devlin on two separate occasions before Yusuf Yusuf and Ante Kozul missed opportunities to further extend the Saints’ margin.
Moreland City 0 defeated by Sunshine George Cross 1 (Vranesevic 14′) at Campbell Reserve
An early strike from Slaven Vranesvic proved to be the difference as Sunshine George Cross recorded a crucial 1-0 win away to Moreland City. After a cagey opening, the former Springvale White Eagles attacker lapsed onto a defensive error before neatly slotting the ball home post Brandon Galgano in City’s goal. Sunshine goalkeeper Robert Santilli had to be at his best to deny Osman Kose an equaliser shortly afterwards.
The second half saw both sides inflict shot after shot at each other’s goal without reward, with the best chance falling to City’s Mo Korucu, who was denied by an inspired Santilli. George Cross held on for a crucial 1-0 victory – their second win of the season – and congest the West ladder, with four sides now on eight points and only three points separating top spot and 8th placed Sunshine.
Brunswick City 2 (Portilio 32′, 58′) defeated Ballarat Red Devils 1 (Harding 19′) at Dunstan Reserve
Brunswick City recovered from going a goal down to defeat the Ballarat Red Devils and register their first win of the season. A double from Juan Portillo either side of the break cancelled out Sean Harding’s opener in what was the round’s basement battle clash. Some good work from Red Devils midfielder Michael Trigger on the left saw Harding presented with the chance to opening the scoring which he gratefully took.
However, their lead would last just 13 minutes as the City striker left his markers for dead before burying the ball past goalkeeper Aaron Romein. Portillo would give City the lead just before the hour when he disposed Red Devils defender David King and neatly tucked away his second. Trigger almost levelled the scores before full time, but it was not to be as Brunswick finally snapped an eleven game winless streak which stretched back to last season.
Bulleen Lions 2 (Romas 53′, Hysoli 63′) defeated Melbourne City 0 at the Veneto Club
Bulleen Lions dislodged Melbourne City from the top of the NPL1 West ladder with a 2-0 victory on Monday night. Two early second half goals from Billy Romas and Bardhi Hysoli proved to be the difference as the Lions produced one of their best performances of the season in front of a strong crowd. Takanori Nishimoto almost broke the deadlock early but was denied by City goalkeeper Yaren Sozer, as the hosts had the better of the early exchanges.
For City, Stefan Zinni was putting on a show as he troubled the Lions defence on many occasions, but his side struggled to create many clear cut opportunities. Bulleen’s persistence paid off in the second half when Romas beat his marker to strike the ball past Sozer for the lead. Anton Nardella assisted Romas for the goal and would turn provider once more as his cross set up Hysoli for the second, sealing a memorable victory for the in-form Lions.
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NPL 1 East
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Melbourne Victory 3 (Maclean 19′, Dover 75′, Katebian 90′) defeated Richmond SC 0 at JL Murphy Reserve
Victory now sit atop of the NPL 1 East conference, following a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Richmond. The visitors started strongly and had a golden chance to lead, awarded a penalty in the 15th minute, however Tom Cahill was denied by a stunning double save from Lucas Spinella. John Maclean then got the first for Victory, who toiled hard and had to wait an hour for the second goal, which came only after Richmond went down to 10 men following Liam Flynn’s 70th minute dismissal. Kieran Dover and Joey Katebian then chipped in with goals of their own, both scoring classy efforts to seal it for Melbourne.
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Murray United 1 (Walker 82′) defeated by Eastern Lions 2 (Williams 45+2′, Nyadzayo 61′) at La Trobe University, Wodonga
Goals either side of half time were enough for Eastern Lions to continue their strong early season form. Adam Waters squandered the hosts’ best chance of the first half, before Andrew Williams gave the Lions the lead from the spot in the shadows of half time. Muyaradzy Nyadzayo doubled the lead in the second half, before Murray rallied and finally got a reward late through Zac Walker. However, they were unable to take a share of the spoils, with the visitors running out 2-1 winners.
Springvale White Eagles 0 defeated by Dandenong City 3 (Cattermole 10′, Seavill 12′, Jerez 59′) at White Eagles Stadium
Two early first half goals went a long way to giving the visitors the victory in this local derby. Scott Millar had a good chance for the hosts early, but was unable to bury it. Ashley Cattermole gave City the lead soon after, heading home from a Jerez corner. 2014 NPL 1 Best and Fairest player Sean Seavill then made it 2-0, finishing off a classy team move.
The second half saw Springvale attempt to mount a comeback, but the aforementioned Jerez got on the scoresheet, switching roles with Seavill who provided the assist. Springvale were unable to grab a consolation, as Dandenong ran away with an impressive victory.
Kingston City 2 (McIlroy 25’,60’) defeated Goulburn Valley Suns 1 (Ellis 84’) at The Grange Reserve
A Sean McIlroy brace was enough for Kingston to end the Suns’ undefeated record. The experienced striker took advantage of a defensive mix up to give his side the lead in the first half, before turning and finishing brilliantly on the hour mark to double his tally and his side’s lead. Sean Ellis got Goulburn back into the game late, scoring an absolute stunner from range. The game ended in controversy as the Suns felt they should have had a penalty, with claims for handball in the dying minutes waved away by the referee, as Kingston held on for an invaluable victory.
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Nunawading City 1 (Skorich 62’) defeated by Box Hill United 2 (Chalk-Hatton 1’, Carafa 65’) at Mahoney’s Reserve
Nunawading’s winless run continues, falling at home to local rivals Box Hill. Travis Chalk-Hatton got the Pythagoras off to the perfect start, finishing from 20-yards after seeing Keegan Coulter out of position. The Nunawading keeper would more than make up for the mistake though, pulling off a string of stunning saves throughout the half to keep his side in it. Ivan Skorich got his side a surprise equaliser in the second half, but Box Hill responded straight away, with Franc Carafa scoring a stunner from 20 yards which curled into the top right corner to hand the visitors a deserved victory – despite Coulter’s brilliance.