Round 19 of the NPL Victoria surprisingly saw three 1-1 draws start off the round, with draws kept at a premium in the league this season so far. It was Port Melbourne and Green Gully, Northcote City and South Melbourne as well as Goulburn Valley Suns against Melbourne Knights which shared a similar result.
The other four games for the round saw Pascoe Vale earn a come from behind 2-1 victory over out-of-form Dandenong Thunder, as well as a loss for fellow strugglers Werribee City against Ballarat Red Devils.
Oakleigh Cannons gained ground on the leaders with a 2-1 win over the steely Bentleigh Greens while the final result of the round saw Heidelberg account for fifth place Hume City, with the final score 2-0.
Port Melbourne Sharks 1 drew with Green Gully 1 at JL Murphy Reserve
Two second half goals give a flicker of light to a dull contest as Green Gully stole a late equaliser to share the spoils with Port Melbourne, who were the better of the two sides on the night.
Luka Prelevic put the Sharks into a deserved lead, showing composure to finish past the Green Gully keeper who gifted him an opening.
It was Osagie Ederaro who played the role of hero for Gully as he struck in the 83rd minute to give Gully a fortuitous point.
Northcote City 1 drew with South Melbourne 1 at John Cain Memorial Park
Northcote City have held ladder leaders South Melbourne to a 1-1 draw at home, with Oakleigh Cannons the main benefactor of the result.
A contentious penalty with just over 10 minutes to play gave passage for a Northcote upset, but the sides had to settle for a point each after Munoz’s late spot-kick.
Milos Lujic had put South into the lead a mere six minutes earlier after being played through by Tyson Holmes.
The Blues still hold a seven point lead on the Cannons atop the NPL Victoria ladder.
Goulburn Valley Suns 1 drew with Melbourne Knights 1 at McEwan Reserve
Points are suddenly a little easier to come by down Goulburn Valley way as they made it two games unbeaten for the first time all season after a 1-1 draw with Melbourne Knights, who may have just had one eye on their FFA Cup clash with Olympic FC.
The Suns were forced to work for the point as they came from behind to strike in the 70th minute through super sub Tom Langman. The goal spared the blushes of teammate Ardian Vuniqi who’d earlier put the ball into his own net.
Safety isn’t yet out of the Suns reach as they sit stranded by eight points.
Dandenong Thunder 1 defeated by Pascoe Vale 2 at George Andrews Reserve
Pascoe Vale have come from behind to triumph over the out of sorts Dandenong Thunder, who now sit perilously close to the drop despite their fast start to the season.
Much like their year so far, Thunder got off to a fantastic start, netting through Feston Azizi who curled in a beauty.
But true to the analogy, they eventually succumbed to a Jake Nakic brace, who came back to haunt the club he left little over a month ago.
The Thunder perhaps deserved something from the clash with Pascoe Vale unequivocally happy to take the points.
Werribee City 1 defeated by Ballarat Red Devils 3 at Galvin Park
Ballarat have moved out of the relegation zone for the first time since Round 11 after overcoming Werribee City away from home via two well-taken strikes from Paul Harvey.
Having made quite the impact since moving from the NPL 1, Harvey scored his second brace in three weeks, this one coming with two goals either side of the break.
Anthony Ragusa pulled one back from a goalmouth scramble late on in the contest before Deng Aguek’s contender for goal of the season sealed the points in the dying stages.
Oakleigh Cannons 2 defeated Bentleigh Greens 1 at Jack Edwards Reserve
Oakleigh capitalised on a rare South Melbourne slip-up by winning a tough fought encounter against Bentleigh Greens leaving the Cannons the unenviable task of catching up a further seven points in as many games.
The win was nicely set up by a eight minute double salvo in the first half as Canadian striker Nate Foster scored then set up another for teammate Goran Zoric.
Despite Bentleigh pushing hard, they only got the 85th minute consolation goal via Jack Webster, and found it nigh on impossible breaking down the wall that was John Honos in Oakleigh’s net.
Heidelberg United 2 defeated Hume City 0 at Olympic Village
Despite going undefeated in the last five rounds, George Katsakis and his side would be far from pleased as they’ve dropped crucial points along the way. Notching their second win in that patch – and their first in three games – it was back to smiles for the third place club.
No surprises as to who did the damage as Dan Heffernan notched up his 15th goal of the season to put the host’s in front. He dispatched his spot-kick clinically after earning it moments earlier, before Petrie essentially killed the contest off with his 77th minute strike.
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Round 20 took place as a set of four mid-week NPL Victoria fixtures, which saw Werribee City triumph over Pascoe Vale 2-0 in a largely forgettable clash.
There were even more 1-1 results following on from the three that started off Round 19, with Dandenong and Northcote splitting the points, as well as Green Gully against Heidelberg.
The final game saw Port Melbourne register a convincing 3-1 win against a Ballarat Red Devils side that has faired better in recent weeks.
Pascoe Vale 0 defeated by Werribee City 2 at Hosken Reserve
An incredibly scrappy game saw Werribee eventually escape with the three points, with two goals coming from set pieces.
While the game wasn’t pretty to watch, it did produce goals, albeit both coming from set pieces. Ersin Kaya converted from a free-kick before he turned provider for the second, putting in a perfect delivery for defender Steve Cudrig, who amassed his fifth goal for the season.
Despite the game being done and dusted, Kaya received his marching orders well into stoppage time to see his side end with only 10 men on the pitch.
Read More > Ferrante: Worst game I’ve been part of
Dandenong Thunder 1 drew with Northcote City 1 at George Andrews Reserve
The points were shared between the Thunder and Northcote with both goals of the match coming in the opening half.
Full-back Kris Kioussis continued on with his good form, laying on a perfect cross for fellow young gun Matt Millar to open the scoring.
Northcote however had the chance to hit back in the dying moments of the clash as Liam Wooding was fouled in the box to earn his side a penalty. Jonathan Munoz converted low before later going off injured.
The game failed to hit any real heights but the point would be fair consolation for both sides.
Green Gully 1 drew with Heidelberg United 1 at Green Gully Reserve
The battle between the clubs with little to play for ended in a stalemate, albeit without some drama.
Mark McGough took a mere six minutes to slot home the opener for Heidelberg, as his low strike flew in from outside the area. That goal was eventually cancelled by Jason Hayne, who broke the wall from a free-kick to bring Gully back into the game.
It was however Heidelberg that looked the more likely and with NPL leading goal scorer Dan Heffernan buzzing around, it seemed only a matter of time before something gave way. It did within the final five minutes of regulation time as that man Heffernan had his late goal chalked off due to a questionable offside call.
Port Melbourne Sharks 3 defeated Ballarat Red Devils 1 at JL Murphy Reserve
Ballarat find themselves back in the drop zone after a falling to a 3-1 away loss to Port Melbourne, who were good value for their win.
The opening two goals however came off the boot of Ballarat players; the opener saw Shaun tap past his brother Aaron Romein, before Deang Aguek went on with his amazing run at his new club, scoring his fifth goal since making the move from State League football.
Only two minutes later – in the 24th minute – Lambros Honos scored to give the Sharks the lead. He then won the free-kick in the second half which saw James Riccobene fire home to secure the points.
NPL fixtures wrapped up by Jordan Lim (@JordanLim24)
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Mark Gojszyk is back after a sabbatical, missing so much NPL 1 action that he last remembered Richmond battling away towards the other end of the table. Nonetheless, here is his wrap of this week’s battles, which saw Avondale lose their first game since Round 2, Richmond and Bendigo play out a six goal thriller, and Brunswick win their second game of the season — again against Whittlesea.
Brunswick City 2 defeated Whittlesea Ranges 0 at Dunstan Reserve
Brunswick languishes at the bottom of the NPL 1 table on seven points. However, six of these points have come at Whittlesea’s expense. Yes, correct, Brunswick have won only twice this season, both times against Whittlesea.
An end-to-end contest saw the Ranges fashion more clear-cut chances than the hosts without capitalising, and it would be the hosts taking advantage of the visitor’s wastefulness, scoring twice through Amara Kromah and Sam Mazzolini. They also completed their first clean sheet of the season to boot.
Moreland Zebras 1 defeated Avondale Heights 0 at Clifton Park
An incredible run of fifteen unbeaten games came to an unceremonious end for Avondale Heights on Saturday, as a solitary own goal was enough to hand Moreland a hard-fought win.
Despite controlling possession, a sliced Dean Campelj clearance from a corner undid Avondale’s hard work, and they were unable to break down a staunch Zebras’ defence thereafter. Despite the loss, the ladder leaders still hold an 11-point lead atop the NPL 1 table.
North Geelong 2 defeated Kingston City 1 at Elcho Park
North Geelong continue their push for promotion, consolidating third position on the NPL 1 table with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Kingston City.
Kingston striker Max Etheridge connected successfully with a cross to give the visitors the lead, but it was mostly North Geelong from there, controlling possession and territory. An equalizer seemed inevitable, and it came sooner rather than later via a thunderbolt strike from Mark Paleka. Another usual suspect, Reardo Luka, sealed the win in the 77th minute with an accurate header.
Springvale White Eagles 1 defeated by Box Hill United 2 at Serbian Sports Centre
Box Hill almost let slip two vital points against Springvale, but scored a goal at the death to secure an important win and maintain a promotion spot.
Continue Reading > Kokolakis: Win may seal promotion
A mostly uneventful contest – highlighted by a goalless first half – sprung into life in the second period when Chris Irwin took matters into his own hands (or feet) and hit a well-timed strike into the bottom corner of the net. Ryan Don Paul shook things up with an 85th minute equaliser for the White Eagles, before Rinor Muriqi capitalised on a goalkeeper spill just minutes later to kill off the contest.
Read More > Mihajlovic: Eagles’ fledglings to stay grounded
Dandenong City 2 defeated FC Bulleen Lions 1 at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex
A Ryan Filipovic brace earned Dandenong City a win over Bulleen, though he left it late for his second goal after Gianni De Nittis cancelled out his first.
Dandenong dominated proceedings early on and capitalised on their good play when Filipovic pounced on an underhit backpass to score. Kristian Sarkies’ return to Bulleen paid dividends for the visitors soon after, as his interception in midfield began a passage of play that ended with a De Nittis goal. With time running out, a City corner kick was scrambled over the line, giving the home fans something to smile about in an often difficult season.
St Albans Saints SC 1 defeated Sunshine George Cross SC 0 at Churchill Reserve
St Albans Saints may have won this contest 1-0, though the scoreline could have been different had both sides made the most of strong chances in the first half.
Alas, it would be the Saints breaking the deadlock in the 51st minute through a Yusuf Yusuf header, and with neither side able to add any goals to contest, St Albans held on to extend their unbeaten run to seven games.
Richmond SC 3 drew with FC Bendigo 3 at Kevin Bartlett Reserve
With five goals in the first half hour, this match ended as a topsy turvy six-goal thriller, split evenly 3-3 in a contest that nobody deserved to lose.
Bendigo would have been delighted with their opening 20 minutes, taking a two goal advantage through Daniel Purdy and George Slefendorfas. However, the next 10 were a nightmare, as Richmond hit back, piling on three goals of their own via Tom Cahill (twice) and Hamlet Armenian.
In a fitting conclusion, Slefendorfas equalised deep into the match, to ensure both side’s endeavors were rewarded with at least a point each, detrimental though to Richmond’s push for promotion.
NPL 1 fixtures wrapped up by Mark Goszyk (@hahahamark)
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25 Goals in total, with two sides claiming victory via a five goal margin reflected a busy and action packed round 15 for the Sportsmart Women’s Premier League. Although a stalemate kicked off the round, some enthralling football followed.
Casey notably pulled off the biggest win and scalp of the round with a devastating 6-1 victory over Boroondara. Three Monday night games then wrapped up a captivating weekend as South Melbourne maintained their two point buffer at the top.
Box Hill United 0 drew Monbulk Rangers 0 at Wembley Park.
A goalless draw opened Round 15 on Friday night as cellar dwellers Monbulk Ranges earned a solitary point against Box Hill United.
A resilient Monbulk defence frustrated Box Hill as the hosts failed to penetrate for the whole 90 minutes.
Monbulk coach Quentin Well’s labelled the display as their best effort all season in an organised and determined performance.
“Collectively the way we played as a team tonight was the best performance we’ve put on the park all year and actually got a result,” said Wells.
NTC U17 Girls 2 drew Bundoora United Womens 2 at State Football Centre.
A 92nd minute own goal saw the FFV U17 Girls denied an upset victory as they played out a 2-2 draw with Bundoora United.
Rachel Alonso put the visitors ahead just before the break, while Alexi Garcia equalled following the hour mark.
Edith Fordyce-Croker then handed NTC a deserved lead with ten minutes to play, ensuring a nervous finish.
However, Bundoora found their equaliser in the second minute of added time, breaking the hearts of an impressive NTC outfit.
Boroondara Eagles 1 defeated by Casey Comets 6 at Knox Regional Football Centre
Casey pulled off their second upset in consecutive weeks, thumping Boroondara Eagles 6-1.
The hosts had no answer for Casey in the first half, entering the break four goals down as Tayla Vlaeminck, Brittany Dudley-Smith, Angela Durston-Ryan and an own goal had the result wrapped up by the break.
Casey were playing some attractive football and found the back of the net twice again in the second half via Rachel Binning and Durston-Ryan, who completed her brace.
Boroondara’s only highlight came via former Casey player Alex Gummer, who found her side’s only goal ten minutes into the second half.
Bulleen Lions 5 defeated Cairnlea FC 0 at David Barro Stadium.
After a disappointing week prior, Bulleen Lions returned to form and wining ways with a resounding 5-0 victory over Cairnlea FC.
Entering the contest off the back of a shock 1-0 loss to Casey, Bobby McGuinness’s side were merciless as a first half hat-trick from Emily Coppock reflected a dominating performance.
The hosts created plenty of chances and strung just as many passes together as Cairnlea failed to match it with the second place outfit.
Eleni Fakos, who was impressive for 90 minutes bagged the fourth with captain Tessa Sernio completing the route in stoppage time.
Read More > McGuinness: Whole team starred
Heidelberg United 2 South Melbourne 4 at Olympic Village.
South Melbourne maintained their two point lead at the top of the table following testy 4-2 victory over Heidelberg United.
An open and free flowing game saw six goals hit the back of the net as the contest delivered two goals in the opening three minutes.
Jessica Au found the first on 68 seconds with an own goal, allowing Heidelberg to equalise almost immediately after the restart.
Laura Spiranovic then rounded out the half with two goals as Angie Rassias clawed it back to 3-2, 10 minutes after the break.
However, substitute Rhea Schreuder saw the result out, netting her side’s fourth goal with five minutes to spare.
Sandringham SC 3 defeated Ashburton 0 at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex.
Three second half goals saw Sandringham cruise to a comfortable 3-0 victory over Ashburton.
The hosts’ midfielders got the job done on the night as Sienna Fogarty, Annabelle Gibney, and Elaina Vatcky all found the back of the net from the middle.
The result ended a turbulent week for Ashburton, who were forced to play thee games in the space of seven days,while Sandy hit back after a 4-0 loss to South.
Read More > Midfield turns tide for Sandy
WPL fixtures wrapped up by Sean Ellicott (@SeanEllicott)