Whatever the outcome on Sunday’s Dockerty Cup final, South Springvale (Aris) will be happy knowing they are top two of the state, and top 16 in the country.
A feat no other third-tier state team can say they have achieved.
Up against Melbourne Knights on Sunday, Aris have already proven themselves more than worthy to beat the team.
Melbourne Knights failed to secure their spot in the FFA Cup, while Aris powered through with penalties.
Melbourne Knights are languishing in the NPL, sitting seventh on the ladder, while Aris is up in the top five of theirs.
Both teams, though, have had mixed results in the last couple of weeks. While Melbourne Knights have failed to secure wins where it counts nationally, they have managed to do quite well in their league the last couple of weeks.
Last weekend they secured a clean sheet against bottom dwellers Goulburn Valley Suns, while in the previous week they had a goals bonanza win against Green Gully, 4-3.
Aris might not have the same track record, it drew last weekend against Mornington SC and hasn’t had a win in five matches.
It’s been a tough couple of months for Aris, but the team has proven time and again that it can whip out miracles when it’s needed.
Both teams will at least be given a reprieve from their league matches this week as the leagues play catch up.
NPL takes a breather
The NPLV will be scheduling three catch-up matches this week to make up for lost fixtures, and two Greek teams will be a part of it.
First up is Bentleigh Greens, who will be using all their upcoming matches to better prepare themselves for the FFA Cup derby match against Sydney Olympic.
They play Ballarat Red Devils, a re-match after their first round match was washed out.
Ballarat’s survival hopes are hanging by a thread after last week’s loss to Werribee City.
Bentleigh are showing signs of fatigue thanks to their busy schedule, falling to Oakleigh Cannons 1-4 last week. The Devils might be in for a better chance this week.
Title contenders Oakleigh Cannons must win their Wednesday match to keep their hopes of stealing the trophy off South Melbourne.
They have been keeping a good track record though, winning five in a row and coming in as favourites.
Oakleigh will face Melbourne Knights two days after their Dockerty Cup final. They will most likely rest some players but will be struggling to fill spots, with Antun Kovacic, Jordan O’Doherty and Michael Doyle on injury watch.
