The Victorian Premier League is back after round five of State Knockout Cup took up play last week.

In what was a second versus fifth match, both the Bentleigh Greens and the Port Melbourne Sharks started proceedings, and showed great form. Out of sixteen matches the two sides played in VPL 2013 season, the teams entered the game with only three losses between them. In State Knockout Cup round five last weekend, Bentleigh Greens were unexpectedly overplayed by Sunshine George Cross (0-2).

Northcote City travelled to Dandenong Thunder on Friday to meet with the seventh on the ladder side that only one year ago was sweeping all before it. This year, the Hercules boys swapped places with the reigning champion, going for over a third of the season so far, undefeated. In last weekend’s Greek derby and the only encounter of VPL sides in State Knockout Cup, Northcote City lost to South Melbourne (2-3).

Dandenong Thunder entered the game with Northcote last night, after the VPL round eight loss to Melbourne Knights (4-3), and last weekend’s Knockout Cup victory over St Kilda (3-0).

Two Greek-sponsored teams, South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons will each play at home this Sunday.

At their Lakeside Stadium, South Melbourne will play with Melbourne Knights.

Peter Tsolakis’ side is currently third on the table, following the two other Greek-sponsored clubs, Northcote City and Bentleigh Greens.

After a disappointing goal-less draw with newly promoted Pascoe Vale in the round eight of VPL; and following a miraculous win to Northcote in the State Knockout cup last Monday, South Melbourne is expected to be highly motivated to go for a win against Knights. But, with only one loss in the past five matches, the Knights are in good form.

“We have to take our chances, there is no doubt about it. That’s what football is about – otherwise you end up loosing or drawing, and dropping points. We are creating a lot of chances; we created a lot of chances with Pascoe Vale as well, but unfortunately we didn’t find the back of the net and we dropped two points, which is extremely disappointing,” South Melbourne’s general manager, Peter Kokotis told Neos Kosmos.

In the eyes of a side from South Melbourne, the game with Melbourne Knights is a huge derby, with a lot of history behind it and even more respect for a former NSL giant.

“It’s also their 60th anniversary this year, so it will mean a lot to them to play well. They are in a very good form at the moment, so we expect a tough game. Knights have young talented players; they invest a lot in youth. So we expect them to be fast and up for the game. They always find another gear against South Melbourne, like all the clubs do. They are fast, mobile; they are passionate about playing for their jumper, what makes them always a very tough team to play,” Kokotis said.

With the win against Northcote City in the Knockout Cup, there is no doubt that the spirits of the team have raised “100 per cent”.

“Winning form and the momentum; the fact that we haven’t lost at home, thus creating a fortress at home, is so important. Last week’s game with Northcote was massive for us. With our supporters at Lakeside Stadium, supporting the team through ups and downs of the game, we’ll have the 12th man that we need in this game,” Kokotis said.

In a previous VPL round, Knights carved out one of their most memorable wins in an incredible match to Dandenong Thunder.

On Sunday, two clubs that would be disappointed with the season so far come up against each other with both new coaches, Oakleigh’s Miron Bleiberg and Richmond’s Grant Brebner, attempting to win their first VPL match. Oakleigh Cannons will host Richmond at their ground.

In the bottom of the ladder match, 11th placed Southern Stars will meet with ninth Green Gully Cavaliers on Saturday.

With both sides firmly entrenched in the bottom four, both Cavaliers and Southern Stars are having a tough season and will have to start winning soon if they want to escape the bottom of the ladder.

The quiet achiever Hume City, who climbed up to fifth on the table, will host the newcomer, Pascoe Vale, currently eight on the table.

In round eight of VPL, Hume City carved out an 4-2 victory over Oakleigh Cannons.

Round Nine Fixtures:
Bentleigh Greens v Port Melbourne Sharks, Friday 8:15 pm, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Dandenong Thunder v Northcote City, Friday 8:30 pm, George Andrews Reserve
Southern Stars v Green Gully Cavaliers, Saturday 6:00 pm, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Hume City v Pascoe Vale, Sunday 3:00 pm, Broadmeadows Valley Park
South Melbourne v Melbourne Knights, Sunday 3:00 pm, Lakeside Stadium
Oakleigh Cannons v Richmond, Sunday 5:45 pm, Jack Edwards Reserve