Football fans will be turning their attention to two “Greek” derbies of the NPL Championship this weekend, with both matches having a great history and ranking importance.
South Melbourne – Oakleigh Cannons
This weekend, South Melbourne will take on last year’s champions, Oakleigh Cannons, at McLvor Reserve in Footscray due to the Women’s World Cup starting next month. Coach Quintas’ footballers are expected to give their all to secure the three points, potentially leaving them alone at the top of the standings. Meanwhile, Oakleigh coach Chris Taylor is viewing the derby against the leaders as a golden opportunity to close the gap at the top of the table.
Port Melbourne – Heidelberg United
South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons will face off in the “blue and white” derby of the 20th matchday, but that’s not all. In Port Melbourne, the Sharks will host Heidelberg United in a match with plenty of local history. The Sharks, coming off a home draw against the Thunder, will be determined to get back on the winning streak that will keep them close to the fourth-placed Knights. Meanwhile, the visitors, having found their footing recently with a draw against Pancyprios, will be looking to build on their positive results and will no doubt take to the pitch with aggression, all eyes on the three points of victory.
St Albans – Bentleigh Greens
Let’s hope the Bentleigh Greens can pick up the three points of victory when they face St Albans. The “Cypriots” have been at the bottom of the standings almost throughout the NPL’s “marathon” this year and cannot afford any more points losses. If they want to stay in the division, they will need to make the most of their remaining matches. Although St Albans may not be an intimidating opponent, the “Greens” must show the proper competitive face to succeed.
NPL2
Brunswick City will host the NPL2 championship leaders Kingston City on Saturday (1/7) afternoon, as they look to stave off the threat of relegation. The hosts, who recently suffered a defeat away to Juventus, are in 11th place, just 3 points above bottom Pascoe Vale and will be hoping to get something good out of the match.
Leaders Kingston, who drew against Eastern Lions last week, are feeling the hot breath of Western United, who are sharing the lead in the standings with them. This appears to be motivating the club’s footballers to stay at the top by giving their all each week.
Northcote face a dangerous task as they travel to Eastern Lions, while Heracles failed to get a win last week against Bulleen after the two rivals drew 0 – 0, keeping the “Greek” team in 10th place in the table.
NPL3
Matchday 16 is expected to be extremely difficult for Box Hill United. The “blue and white” club will face the league leaders, Melbourne Victory, in a match where even one point will be considered a success. Victory’s youngsters are having a terrific season, striking fear into the rest of the division’s teams.
The State Leagues
Yarraville will have the opportunity to move up a couple of places in the standings this week. They will face Strathmore, who are currently in 7th place with just two more points.
In the Southeast group, there is a local derby. The 4th-ranked Springvale White Eagles will host Aris in a match that usually promises a beautiful spectacle, many goals, and strong opposition.
Malvern, who are 4th in the rankings, will host Collingwood. The hosts will be expected to fight for the win that will keep them within striking distance of the top spots in the table.
NPL – Schedule
Friday 30/06
Melbourne Knights – Avondale 19:30
St Albans v Bentleigh Greens 19:45
Green Gully – North Geelong Warriors 20:00
Saturday 01/07
Port Melbourne Sharks – Heidelberg United 17:30
Hume City v Moreland 18:30
Dandenong Thunder – Altona Magic 19:15
Sunday 02/07
South Melbourne – Oakleigh Cannons 15:00
NPL – Table
1. Avondale 19 52
2. South Melbourne 18 49
3. Oakleigh Cannons 19 45
4. Melbourne Knights 19 34
5. Port Melbourne 19 31
6. Green Gully 19 27
7. Altona Magic 19 26
8. Dandenong Thunder 19 24
9. Heidelberg United 18 20
10. Hume City 19 17
11. St Albans Saints 19 16
12. North Geelong 19 13
13. Moreland City 19 12
14. Bentleigh Greens 19 11
NPL2 – Schedule
Friday 30/06
Dandenong City – Melbourne City (Y) 19:45
Pascoe Vale – Brunswick Juventus 20:15
Preston Lions v Langwarrin 20:30
Saturday 01/07
Brunswick City – Kingston City 15:00
Eastern Lions – Northcote City 15:00
Western United (Y) – Manningham United Blues 15:00
Monday 03/07
Bulleen Lions v Werribee City 20:15
NPL2 – Table
1. Kingston City 19 34
2. Western United (Y) 19 34
3. Preston Lions 19 33
4. Dandenong 19 30
5. Eastern Lions 19 30
6. Manningham 19 28
7. Langwarrin 19 28
8. Melbourne City (Y) 19 26
9. Werribee 19 26
10. Northcote City 19 24
11. Brunswick City 19 23
12. Brunswick Juventus 19 21
13. Bulleen 19 20
14. Pascoe Vale 19 20
NPL3 – Schedule
Saturday 01/07
Ballarat City –Beaumaris 15:00
Nunawading -North Sunshine Eagles 15:00
Boroondara Carey Eagles -Doveton 15:00
Caroline Springs George Cross –Geelong 17:30
Essendon Royals -Goulburn Valley Suns 19:00
Sunday 02/07
Melbourne Victory (Y) -Box Hill United 15:00
NPL3 – Table
1. Melbourne Victory (Y) 15 35
2. Caroline Springs 14 28
3. Nunawading 14 25
4. Goulburn Suns 15 25
5. North Sunshine 15 22
6. Doveton 15 23
7. Boroondara 15 23
8. Box Hill 15 18
9. Essendon 15 17
10. Geelong 15 16
11. Beaumaris 15 15
12. Ballarat 15 5
