Image: Smile for Peter
Archie Thompson, one of the biggest coups in NPL history, arrived at Olympic Park to rapturous applause and excitement, however the occasion ended in a stalemate as Heidelberg and Oakleigh Cannons struggled to a 0-0 draw.
A four-figure crowd arrived expecting an attacking master-class, but an expectedly different Bergers set-up struggled to adjust to the differing style of Thompson from usual star striker Kenny Athiu.
Ultimately it was a debut Heidelberg’s star recruit may have been disappointed with. The forward was handed the game’s best opportunity just before half time only to have his curving shot denied by Oakleigh goalkeeper John Honos.
The lack of a powerful aerial presence was always going to require some adjusting and required some risk, especially against a side as slick offensively as Oakleigh Cannons.
Despite the absence of Heidelberg’s leading scorer, the resulting attacking trio of Reuben Way, Sean Ellis and Thompson presented a trilogy of trickery and attacking flair that is rarely seen at NPL level.
This was always going to be an important factor in what on paper looked to be a showcase of attacking football. Oakleigh Cannons, not to be ignored, were home to one of the NPL’s most dangerous attacking midfielders in Dusan Bosnjak and prolific scorer Dimi Hatzimouratis.
This noted, the two enticing forward lines barely managed a blip before the half hour mark. Heidelberg’s Kosta Kanakaris failing to respond to a guilt-edged ball from Way that would have presented the wide midfielder with a tap in.
Then, not to be outdone, Oakleigh’s Perry Lambropolous, through on goal, managed to miss the ball entirely. Way then shot straight at Honos in goal, who looked impressive when called upon throughout.
Thompson attempted to drop deep in the first half, playing in a more traditional number 10 role and showing off his skill in distribution. However, he was kept largely quiet in the final third by tight marking and poor delivery.
Steve Pantelidis, who knew Thompson well from his time in the A-League with Melbourne Victory, one of three former Victory men on the field, was at the heart of Oakleigh’s defensive quality.
It took until the end of the first period for the fixture to begin to showcase its excitement factor to the stellar crowd at Olympic Park. Oakleigh Cannons edged their way into the ascendance, dominating the final minutes to no avail.
Bosnjak failed to beat Chris Theodoridis from close range, before the Heidelberg stopper pulled off an athletic save to keep the Bergers in the game.
Heidelberg begun the second half with a higher intensity, quickly substituting Jack Petrie and Kanakaris for Phil Petreski and Harry Noon respectively.
It was Noon’s introduction that was to have an immediate impact. The Bergers forward clashed with Honos as both attempted to claim an open ball, leaving Honos grounded and Noon surrounded by furious Cannons’ defenders.
While tempers threatened to boil over at Olympic Park with little result, Heidelberg took advantage of the disruption and began to impose themselves upon the game, leading to the best chance of the match for Thompson.
It was the result of clever work by Harry Noon, who having beaten his marker found Thompson onside with a clever lofted ball, however the former Socceroo’s curling effort to Honos’ left was well saved by the agile keeper.
A good stop but one that arguably defined the drawcards debut as Thompson only had one other clear chance, which was also saved albeit from a tight angle.
Nevertheless, the missed opportunity seemingly galvanised the Bergers, and Noon hit the side netting from an Ellis cross moments later.
Oakleigh, who had been largely subdued for the second half, were lucky to still be on even terms and responded by substituting Jacob Collard for dynamic forward Goran Zoric on the 78th minute.
Towards the fixture’s climax Thompson continued to find dangerous positions, as Heidelberg appeared desperate to provide him the perfect debut.
However, Oakleigh almost had the final say in proceedings as a deflated Bergers side couldn’t sustain their pressure; Adriano Chiappetta’s flicking header from a Dean Piemonte free kick drifting narrowly wide of Theodoridis’ goal.
The stalemate retains the status quo in the NPL ladder, Heidelberg missing the opportunity to go within a point of rivals South Melbourne. Oakleigh meanwhile are now six points behind the Bergers in 5th.
Thompson, despite a tough baptism, will have a fantastic opportunity to make up for lost time when Heidelberg play Melbourne Victory’s NPL side in their next game.