Sometimes it doesn’t rain, but it pours. Such is the case with Heidelberg United, who after managing just two goals in the first four matches this season, have scored 11 goals in their last two matches including last week’s 8-0 demolition of newly promoted North Geelong Warriors, made all the more remarkable given the Bergers played with just 10 men after Reuben Way’s early dismissal.
The match was memorable for Heidelberg forward Sean Ellis who bagged five goals to take his season tally to five equal with Kenny Athiu who has also found the net more easily, scoring a brace against the Warriors.
The goal-scoring form is timely for the Bergers as their next four matches are all against sides in the upper half of the table beginning with Friday night’s away match to Melbourne Knights. The Bergers are currently in fourth spot on the table.
In contrast, Oakleigh Cannons, Port Melbourne and South Melbourne find themselves in the bottom half of the table. Last week the Cannons fell to a late St Albans Saints goal. On Saturday they’ll try and bounce back against an impressive Green Gully outfit which last week staged a remarkable comeback to deny South Melbourne a win after Souths led 3-0 at one stage. That match ended 4-4.
Port Melbourne also faces a tough challenge on Saturday away to an undefeated Pascoe Vale, whilst tomorrow South fans will be hoping for a win in their first home game of the season against struggling North Geelong.
On Monday evening Kingston City hosts St Albans Saints after last week drawing 1-1 at home to Bentleigh Greens. Damian Iaconis and Ross Honos each scored fine goals for City and the Greens respectively in a match which once again showed City to be a competitive team at this level.
In Rd 9 NPL 2E action, bottom meets top as Box Hill United fight to avoid a fifth consecutive defeat when it hosts league leader Dandenong City. City is a side which boasts several ex A-League players in Mate Dugandzic, Nick Kalmar, and Ljubo Milicevic.
In NPL 2W, Brunswick City face a tough task away to second-placed Moreland City whilst league leader Northcote City should be able to account for ninth-placed Werribee City on Saturday before backing up for a midweek Rd 5 FFA Cup tie away to State League club Mooroolbark on Wednesday.
In other FFA Cup ties on the same night, Heidelberg United hosts Knox City whilst Box Hill United plays South Springvale (Aris) at the home of Springvale White Eagles in Keysborough.