Oakleigh stunned one of the VPL Foxtel Cup favourites Heidelberg United by slamming four goals past the visitors in Friday night’s season opener at Jack Edwards Reserve.

Heidelberg will be left with some soul searching to do mid-week before they face South Melbourne at Bob Jane Stadium this Sunday, March 8 at 6pm.

With both side’s playing out two 0-0 draws in the 2008 season, the tactics of the respective coaches were under intense scrutiny from the crowd of approximately 1000.

John Anastasiadis would undoubtedly have been very pleased with the opening period for his side. Despite failing to enjoy significant periods of the half with possession, his team were clinical in front of goal, racing to a 3-0 lead inside the opening 30 minutes.

For all their possession, the Bergers were unable make significant in-roads into the Cannons defence, until they pulled a goal back just before half time.

The second half produced much of the same, with the visitors enjoying a lion’s share of possession but failing to add to the score line. Oakleigh sealed the win mid way through the second half, as they ran out to an ultimately comfortable 4-1 home win, giving Anastasiadis a dream start to the season.

In the other Friday night match, Richmond spanked the Whittlesea Zebras 3-0 at Kevin Bartlett Reserve. The result between South Melbourne and Dandenong Thunder was unavailable at the time of print due to the 6pm kick-off.

Oakleigh are at home to Dandenong on Friday while the clash of the round is undoubtedly between South Melbourne, who are celebrating their 50th Anniversary and Heidelberg United at Bob Jane Stadium on Sunday March 8, at 6pm.