Northcote City began its new campaign to win promotion back to the top tier on the right foot, with a winning road trip to Bendigo City last weekend to return with a five-goal haul. The 5-0 win gave new coach Zeljko Kuzman a memorable start and featured five different goalscorers, including a number of new signings.
Alec Goodwin and Josh Knight scored first-half goals, followed by Baggio Youssif, Nick Bavcar and James Papadimitriou. City hopes to back up its good opening round result when it takes on Melbourne Victory FC Youth, away at Epping stadium on Saturday.
Brunswick City also began its campaign on a bright note with a 3-1 win away to Ballarat thanks to a brace by prolific marksman Adam Wright and a single to new recruit Cameron Neales. New keeper Seb Mattei also played his part with a penalty save. Brunswick travels to Werribee City this Saturday for a late afternoon kick-off.
In NPL 2 E, a young Box Hill United side endured scorching conditions to gain a point away at Murray United in its opening round match. This Saturday, United hosts Eastern Lions at Wembley Park.
The NPL 1 season kicked off on Thursday evening at Jack Edwards with the Hellenic derby between Oakleigh Cannons and Kingston City, followed on Friday by premiers Bentleigh Greens hosting Green Gully.
Saturday sees another Hellenic derby featuring Heidelberg United and Port Melbourne Sharks at the Olympic Village, followed on Monday by the last match of the round, between Bulleen Lions and South Melbourne FC at the Veneto Club.