After an exciting round of suspenseful matches, stunning football and surprising outcomes, it’s no wonder that all football fans and especially those of the NPL league, are expecting an equally thrilling second round.
This weekend, South Melbourne can expect an easy task as they welcome the struggling North Geelong Warriors. Following their impressive win against the excellent Avondale on Monday, the “Hellas” team is feeling confident and is hoping for similar results to keep them on top of the table.
Geelong on the other hand is coming off a nightmare encounter with the Cannons where they suffered a heavy 5 – 0 defeat.
The Oakleigh side will travel to Fawkner this week to take on this year’s volatile and troubled Moreland, aiming to stay a breath away from the top. Last year’s champions blew the Warriors away the previous gameday, delighting the loyal fans of the team who were on the ground to watch the game against the club from Geelong. Antonis Pantazopoulos, who overcame his injury, is expected to return to the starting line-up.
This weekend, Port Melbourne Sharks face an exciting yet dangerous mission as they travel west of the city to take on Altona Magic. The “Magicians” are brimming with enthusiasm and confidence after an impressive 1 – 2 away victory at Bentleigh’s home.
On the opposite side, Port Melbourne Sharks had a successful weekend, having easily beaten Hume City 3 – 0. With faith and anticipation on both sides, this upcoming match promises to be an intense and thrilling encounter.
Heidelberg United hopes to build on their win against Green Gully last week. However, their task will not be easy, as they will face the formidable Melbourne Knights, who were victorious in their previous matchday at the notoriously difficult home of Dandenong Thunder, with a score of 0-1.
George Katsakis’ team is eager for victories and good performances that will change the mindset of the people associated with the historic club and give a positive boost to the players who make up the team.
Bentleigh Greens’ task is set to be extremely tough against Avondale this Friday (12/05). The Greens, who are desperately searching for some competitive balance, have shown a better face in recent weeks but if they really want to secure their stay in the division, they will have to start looking competitive in matches against strong teams like the Italians.
NPL2
The NPL2 schedule this week is also full of interesting games. On Saturday afternoon, second-placed Kingston City will welcome Melbourne City, with their minds and eyes set on the top-placed Preston Lions.
The Lions will travel to their neighbouring Brunswick to face the local team in a derby that is expected to be decided by the passion and strength that the two rivals will display on the pitch.
It will be a very difficult mission for the “Greek” team, which is eagerly searching for victories that will help them break away from the lower tiers of the standings.
Northcote’s task should not be considered easy this weekend, as they welcome the ever-fighting Manningham United. The two teams are very close in the standings, giving the match a touch of derby that will be held on Friday night.
NPL3
Box Hill United will seize this matchday as a chance to break away from the bottom of the table. Pythagoras will journey to the chilly yet gorgeous Ballarat to challenge the local team, which is having a poor season.
State Leagues
Yarraville will look to extend their winning streak in the North-East Group of State League 1 when they travel to face Corio on Saturday afternoon (13/05). Sitting in fifth place in the standings, the “Greek” team has shown promise of a successful continuation with their performances and results at the beginning of the season.
The two “Greek” clubs of the South-Eastern group are competing at home this week. Malvern will host Richmond, while Aris will face Casey Comets. The two teams have started the new season off very strongly, let’s hope they continue at the same extremely successful pace.
NPL Round 8
Friday 12 May
Bentleigh Greens – Avondale 19:30
Melbourne Knights – Heidelberg United 19:30
Green Gully – St Albans Saints 20:00
Saturday 13 May
Moreland City – Oakleigh Cannons 15:00
Altona Magic – Port Melbourne Sharks 18:15
Hume City – Dandenong Thunder 18:30
Sunday 14 May
South Melbourne – North Geelong Warriors 16:00
NPL Table
1. Avondale 12 31
2. South Melbourne 12 31
3. Oakleigh Cannons 12 26
4. Melbourne Knights 12 24
5. Green Gully 12 18
6. Port Melbourne 12 18
7. Altona Magic 12 17
8. Hume City 12 14
9. Dandenong Thunder 12 13
10. Heidelberg United 12 13
11. St Albans Saints 12 10
12. Moreland City 12 9
13. North Geelong 12 7
14. Bentleigh Greens 12 6
NPL2 Round 13
Friday 12 May
Werribee City – Pascoe Vale 20:15
Brunswick Juventus – Langwarrin 20:30
Northcote City – Manningham United Blues 20:30
Saturday 13 May
Eastern Lions – Dandenong City 15:00
Kingston City – Melbourne City (Y) 16:00
Brunswick City – Preston Lions 20:00
Sunday 14 May
Western United (Y) – Bulleen Lions 15:00
NPL2 Table
1. Preston Lions 12 24
2. Kingston City 12 23
3. Western United (Y) 12 21
4. Eastern Lions 12 21
5. Dandenong 12 20
6. Langwarrin 12 19
7. Northcote City 12 19
8. Pascoe Vale 12 17
9. Manningham 12 18
10. Werribee 12 15
11. Brunswick City 12 14
12. Melbourne City (Y) 12 13
13. Bulleen 12 10
14. Brunswick Juventus 12 7
NPL3 Round 9
Saturday 13 May
Ballarat City – Box Hill United 15:00
Beaumaris – North Sunshine Eagles 15:00
Goulburn Valley Suns – Nunawading 15:00
Boroondara Eagles v Essendon Royals 15:00
Caroline Springs George Cross v Doveton 17:30
Sunday 14 May
Melbourne Victory (Y) – Geelong 15:00
NPL3 Table
1. Melbourne Victory (Y) 8 19
2. Nunawading 8 18
3. North Sunshine 8 16
4. Goulburn Suns 8 14
5. Boroondara 8 13
6. Beaumaris 8 11
7. Geelong 8 11
8. Doveton 8 10
9. Caroline Springs 8 10
10. Box Hill 8 7
11. Essendon 8 7
12. Ballarat 8 1
