We are now halfway through a season that has managed to keep everyone on the edge of their seats. A completely unpredictable championship full of spectacle, passion and surprises.
The first matchday of the second half of the season promises matches that will test the nerves of even the strongest. This weekend is expected to be difficult for the “Greek” teams of the division, as all of them are playing away from home against formidable opponents.
Green Gully vs Oakleigh Cannons
An exciting matchup awaits fans on Friday night (19/05) between the Oakleigh Cannons and Green Gully. The Cannons have been on fire lately, winning game after game and hoping to overtake South Melbourne and Avondale and reclaim their top spot in the league. It won’t be an easy feat, though – Green Gully has been a formidable opponent this season and is sure to give the Cannons a run for their money.
On the other hand, the Greens have had a very good year so far and it is certain that they will give everything in order to get the three points that will keep them close to the top five of the standings.
Moreland vs South Melbourne
Esteban Quinta’s players have dramatically improved their performance in recent games, demonstrating in practice that they want more than anything else to be crowned champions at the end of the season.
Hosts Moreland suffered a heavy home defeat last week against Chris Taylor’s Cannons and naturally would like to avoid the possibility of a second consecutive failure at home.
Avondale vs Port Melbourne
Port Melbourne’s mission is expected to be extremely challenging this Saturday. Adam Piddick’s side will travel nine kilometres north to take on this year’s trailblazing and very dangerous, Avondale.
The visitors are coming off an important away win against Altona Magic, and they see the match against the “Italians” as a first-class opportunity to show everyone that their team is not a mere sidekick in the division, but a protagonist.
Dandenong Thunder vs Heidelberg United
It is time for Heidelberg United to turn the page as they travel to Dandenong to take on the local Thunder. The visitors are quickly running out of time and must immediately show a better face in order to get more points if they want to avoid any mishaps at the end of the season.
The situation has become critical, the margins are narrowing, and sooner or later the stress will become overwhelming for the club who desperately need to turn the page and drastically change the negative image they have presented since the start of the season.
North Geelong Warriors vs Bentleigh Greens
The same scenario applies to Bentleigh Greens, who remain at the bottom of the table. The historic club has a great chance to improve their position in the table as they compete against the Warriors, who are just one place and one point above them.
The hosts, who have the second worst defence in the league, do not inspire confidence with their quality, but it is certain that they will put their all into the game in order to win the three points. This is something that the “greens” will have to do in every match of the second half of the season if they want to avoid the nightmare of relegation, which does not befit the size or the history of the club.
NPL2
The NPL2 schedule also features some strong matches this week. Fourth-placed Kingston City will host Langwarrin, while Brunswick’s Leonidas will play at home against the dangerous Dandenong City. Northcote will be away from home this weekend, traveling to Bundoora to take on Melbourne City’s youngsters.
NPL3
Pythagoras will have the opportunity to secure a second consecutive three points this week. The club from Box Hill will welcome the relatively weak Essendon Royals, with the intention of achieving a victory which, if it comes, could potentially propel United up to sixth place in the standings.
State League
Yarraville will travel to Sunshine this weekend to take on the Brimbank Stallions, with whom they share fifth place in the standings of the State League North West group.
Dangerous exits await the two “Greek” teams of the South East group. The second-placed Malvern will face the third-placed and in-form Eltham Redbacks. Aris, who will face Old Scotch, will have the opportunity to get even closer to the top positions in the table.
NPL Round 14
Friday 19 May
Melbourne Knights – St Albans Saints 19:30
Green Gully – Oakleigh Cannons 20:00
Saturday 20 May
Avondale – Port Melbourne Sharks 15:00
Moreland City – South Melbourne 15:00
North Geelong Warriors v Bentleigh Greens 15:00
Hume City – Altona Magic 18:30
Dandenong Thunder – Heidelberg United 19:15
NPL Table
1. South Melbourne 13 34
2. Avondale 13 34
3. Oakleigh Cannons 13 29
4. Melbourne Knights 13 27
5. Port Melbourne 13 21
6. Green Gully 13 18
7. Altona Magic 13 17
8. Dandenong Thunder 13 16
9. Hume City 13 14
10. St Albans Saints 13 13
11. Heidelberg United 13 13
12. Moreland City 13 9
13. North Geelong 13 7
14. Bentleigh Greens 13 6
NPL2 Round 14
Friday 19 May
Pascoe Vale v Preston Lions 20:15
Saturday 20 May
Werribee City – Brunswick Juventus 15:00
Brunswick City – Dandenong City 15:00
Sunday 21 May
Eastern Lions – Western United (Y) 15:00
Melbourne City (Y) – Northcote City 15:00
Monday 22 May
Kingston City – Langwarrin 20:15
Bulleen Lions – Manningham United Blues 20:15
NPL2 Table
1. Preston Lions 13 24
2. Eastern Lions 13 24
3. Western United (Y) 13 24
4. Kingston City 13 23
5. Dandenong 13 20
6. Northcote City 13 20
7. Manningham 13 19
8. Langwarrin 13 19
9. Werribee 13 18
10. Brunswick City 13 17
11. Pascoe Vale 13 17
12. Melbourne City (Y) 13 16
