The Weekend Wrap: Bergers rampage, Juso hat-trick

It was a game week that saw a number of thrashings across the top-flight of the NPL Victoria, with Bentleigh Greens, South Melbourne and Heidelberg United combining to put a total of 16 goals past their respective opponents. Juso Julardzija and his Sunshinge George Cross teammates compounded Bendigo City’s misery to shoot to the top of the NPL2 West ladder, while Dandenong Thunder, Goulburn Valley Suns and Kingston City all continued their perfect run in the NPL2 East.

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A Jamie De Abreu goal deep into first-half stoppage time gifted Port Melbourne their first victory of 2016.

Taking the ball in his stride on the right wing, de Abreu hit a low effort into the near post, which squirted underneath Spinella and into the net.

On another day, the former Bentleigh Greens winger could have a hattrick, as he saw two efforts either side of his goal well saved by Lucas Spinella in goal.

Likewise, Sharks keeper Stjepan Gal was called into action a number of times across the 90 minutes, standing firm to deny Lucas Derrick from close-range, then Josh Hope after a weaving run and finally Joey Katebian from a free-kick.

FULL REPORT > De Abreu strike gifts Sharks maiden win

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Bentleigh Greens ran riot at Kingston Heath, with only a penalty to Jake Barker-Daish spoiling a perfect night against Richmond SC, as they came away 6-1 winners.

Chris Lucas found the back of the net an astounding four times, becoming the second player this season to net a hat-trick after Nick Epifano’s treble against Heidelberg in Round One.

He had his first of the night with just four minutes on the clock, before adding a second on 20 minutes after receiving a ball from Ryan Paczkowski.

Ross Archibald started the second half in fast-fashion, as they did in the first, hitting the back of the net from a corner, only for Richmond SC to pull one back from the penalty spot.

Lucas brought up his hat-trick just before the hour mark and had a fourth via the penalty spot late into the piece.

Tyson Holmes then put the icing on the cake with the sixth of the night from close-range.

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Hume City stole a narrow victory over Avondale FC in their first fixture at 2016 home ground Knights Stadium.

It was a chance of few halves for both sides, Abrahim Yango hitting the woodwork early on into the piece from close range.

They were made to pay for the miss as Theo Markelis struck for a second week running to give the visitors a first half lead.

It was some soft defending that opened up the field for the opener, Markelis allowed to stroke home on 40 minutes.

Avondale found their equaliser through debutant Jamie Cumming, the defender hit a stunning volley from a corner.

Substitute Kym Harris struck the winner just minutes later, rolling his defender before finishing with distinction.

Avondale lacked conviction in the final third throughout and never really looked threatening; Hume City also not quite at their best.

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Another big win for South Melbourne has seen them tally 10 goals without a response to start the NPL Victoria season, beating Northcote City 4-0.

They hardly slipped out of first gear in a game they controlled throughout, although they didn’t go without a scare as keeper Nikola Roganovic was forced to save a Michael Karvouniaris penalty in the first half to keep his side in the lead.

Earlier, Nick Epifano had himself scored from the spot with Matt Millar involved heavily in the build up.

Millar was in the play again to set up Marcus Schroen for the first of two goals of the afternoon.

Milos Lujic was the other goal scorer at John Cain Memorial Reserve to complete a good day at the office for South

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Heidelberg United profited from a distinctly lacklustre Melbourne Knights, stealing an early march on their opponents and claiming a 6-1 victory.

Heidelberg had five to half time, four in the first 17 minutes, as the Knights were blown out of the contest.

The returning Kostas Kanakaris scored a first-half brace, sandwiched in between his two goals was a peach from Jack Petrie and a Harry Noon tap-in.

Reuben Way compounded the Knights’ misery with a classy finish on the stroke of half-time, with the impressive Kenny Athiu rounding off the Bergers’ scoring with a second half header.

Anthony Colosimo found a late consolation goal, chipping the impressive Pierce Clark – his form in between the sticks leaving manager George Katsakis with a big decision next week, given the return of Chris Theodoridis from suspension.

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Bulleen brushed past Oakleigh to record their first victory in the NPL top flight

All it took was a bit of individual brilliance from Sami Nour in the latter stages of the first half, whose turn past his marker allowed him a clear path on goal, with his shot deflected into the back of the net. Chances were generally hard to come by for both teams, though the Lions did have experienced custodian Griffin McMaster to thank for a number of point blank save to leave Oakleigh still looking for their first goal in 2016.

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NPL2 West

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St Albans Saints pipped a victory away from home against Moreland Zebras in the dying minutes

The contest seemed destined for a scoreless draw between two potential promotion challengers who were unwilling to give away an inch. The respective goalkeepers had some work to do, with James Papadimitrou and Baggio Yousif denied for the hosts, while the visitors had efforts from Josh Knight and Joey Monek also saved in the first half. However, St Albans earned a late penalty that was converted by Ryan McGuffie in the 87th minute for the victory.

North Geelong Warriors weathered an early storm to see off fellow relegated outfit Werribee City

Werribee looked the goods early, piling on the pressure on the hosts, but just couldn’t find the breakthrough. The Warriors then found their feet in the second stanza and scored twice via late goals to Matthew Thorne and substitute Michael Anderson to secure their first win of the 2016 season at Elcho Park.

Melbourne City couldn’t see off a 10-man Whittlesea Ranges, settling for a draw

The more fancied Melbourne City only walked away with a point after spurning the lead late against a 10-man Whittlesea. The visitors got off to the perfect start as Stefan Zinni was felled in the box, with Christopher Cristaldo scoring from the rebound after his initial spot kick was saved. Tobias Haegele was sent off in the 57th minute, but despite having the extra man on the pitch, City couldn’t ram home the advantage and instead conceded an 88th minute equaliser via experienced campaigner Naum Sekulovski.

Five-star Sunshine enjoy an enjoyable weekend in Bendigo

Bendigo slumped to a 5-0 defeat to make it nine unanswered goals conceded to start the season, exacerbating the club’s woes after the departure of coach Esteban Quintas. The Georgies were ruthless, with Juso Julardzija earning the match ball following a hat-trick. Chris Dib and Ryan Dragovic were the other goalscorers on a fruitful outing for the visitors.

David King of Ballarat after stoppage-time winner

Ballarat Red Devils have triumphed in a frenetic contest at Morshead Park, defeating Moreland City 3-2, the visitors yet to taste success in this NPL Victoria campaign.

Match-winning duties were left to David King who headed home to send the home support into raptures in the 90th minute.

Earlier, Ballarat had taken a 2-0 lead into half-time, courtesy of Michael Trigger and Pat Karras, only for Moreland City to hit back and restore parity.

Apai Ukuno did the damage for City, scrambling home on the goal line for the equaliser, only for King to steal the game late.

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NPL2 East

Thunder took the spoils over City in a resounding Dandenong Derby

Dandenong Thunder took out the local derby and Jim Memeti Cup with a resounding 4-0 victory over Dandenong City at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex. An early Veton Corcari goal was exacerbated by a red to Andres Jerez less than a quarter of the way into the contest. Amir Osmancevic took full advantage with a second half brace, while an own goal to Mate Eterovic capped off a bad day for City.

Murray United fell just short after mounting a comeback against Box Hill

Box Hill’s travel to the Border was looking like an exciting trip after Lucas Johns scored after eight minutes and Michael Karinki doubled the lead early in the second half. But then new import Kyungmin Choi and Zac Walker scored within 10 minutes of each other to square the ledger. It wasn’t to be for the hosts, however, as Kazuki Okada pipped Box Hill the three points in the 91st minute.

Brunswick twice came back from behind to secure an away draw against Springvale White Eagles

Springvale netted in four minutes as a mistake at the back gifted Damir Stoilovic a goal. Jose Portillo equalised but it was in vain as the White Eagles again scored via John Pykett. Portillo went from hero to villain after receiving a second yellow card. Just as it looked like the visitors would hold on, a goalkeeper red card and penalty left Dimi Vithoulkas with the opportunity to salvage a point, and he made no mistake from the spot.

Kingston City made it two from two, with Eastern Lions their next victim

The usual suspects were at it again for Kingston, with Zdenek Koukal and Velibor Mitrovic both doubling their season tallies as Kingston recorded another 2-1 win, this time on the road to Eastern Lions. A shot from Iaconis in the early mines was fumbled by keeper Havercroft for Koukal to pounce on, while Mitrovic scored with a blinder after the break. A Sam Burfoot free kick was knocked down by Phillip Ajao for Cameron Neales to score, but it proved consolation as City took home the three points.

Goulburn Valley Suns had to come from behind to complete a 7-2 rout of Nunawading City.

It was looking good early for Nunawading City as Daniel Patterson scored early, but then it was one way traffic as Goulburn Valley Suns piled on the goals to win 7-2. The goalscorers were an even spread as Craig Carley scored a brace and Jamie England, Hakeen Aloraibi, Anthony Gillaird, Anthony Giannopoulos and Abdullah Wahidi added singles, while David Antequer netted the other goal for Nunawading.

NPL2 West

NPL2 East

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