The new season has reached the third matchday with good omens for the Greek teams of the league. All of the teams are in the top six of the standings and have delivered some very promising performances so far.
Dandenong Thunder – Heidelberg United
On Saturday night at 7pm, the Thunder Ground in Dandenong will host the most interesting match of the weekend.
The “Albanian” club, sitting at the bottom of the standings with zero points, has had a rough start to the season with defeats in their first two matches.
However, they will surely use their home ground advantage to try and secure their first three points of the new season.
Despite Thunder’s determination to bounce back, they will not intimidate Alexandros.
John Anastasiadis’ team has displayed their early-season strength, and if they replicate their performance from last week’s match against the Cannons, they have a good chance of claiming an away win and maintaining their position at the top of the table.
South Melbourne – Hume City
On Monday night, the beautiful Lakeside Stadium will host a Greek-Turkish battle.
In this match, the dangerous Hume City will be welcomed by South Melbourne.
The Greek team will need to show concentration and reach high levels of performance to make it three out of three wins and stay at the top of the standings.
So far, the team led by Argentine coach Esteban Quintas has displayed many positive elements.
They have won two games and, more importantly, the team seems to be attempting to play a more attractive style of football, unlike the norm in recent seasons.
The rejuvenated image of Hellas, combined with their efficiency in the first two matchdays of the season, has filled their demanding fans with optimism.
They dream of witnessing the club rise to its former golden levels.
Oakleigh Cannons – Altona Magic
This week, the Cannons will attempt to secure their second win in the season.
The Blue and White club from Oakleigh will be hosting the relatively underpowered Altona Magic in a match that they should theoretically win before even stepping onto the Jack Edwards pitch.
Chris Taylor’s side, which boasts a wealth of experience, is built to excel; therefore, games like this should not be a challenge for them as they aspire to finish the season with the championship cup in their possession.
The Magic have had a disastrous start to the league, suffering two defeats in as many games.
The team’s performance has caused concern among its supporters, who were not pleased with their negative showings.
Due to lighting issues arising from severe weather last week, the match has been rescheduled for Sunday at 4:30pm.
Port Melbourne – Moreland City
The Port Melbourne Sharks are ready to keep the fun going after last week’s victory.
Nick Marinos and his team left jaws dropped as they dominated the Melbourne Knights with a score of 1-3.
The fans were filled with pride, longing to see their club take the spotlight. Things may not have started off great for Moreland, but that doesn’t mean the Greek squad will have an easy match.
Despite their strong defensive efforts, they conceded a last-minute goal in their previous game against South Melbourne.
To secure a win, the Sharks will need to capitalise on their chances and leave no room for doubt in their opponent’s mind.
NPL1
Get ready for some intense battles on the football field this week as NPL1 hosts its very own civil war.
The titans, otherwise known as Northcote City and Kingston City, will clash swords at John Cain Memorial Park on Friday night at 8:30 pm.
It’s a risky away mission for Brunswick City and Bentleigh Greens, with Leonidas (Brunswick City) facing off against Caroline Springs George Cross, and Pancyprios (Bentleigh Greens) gearing up to take on Melbourne Victory.
Let the games begin!
NPL – Schedule
Friday (23/2)
Melbourne Knights – Avondale 19:30
Green Gully – Manningham United 20:00
Saturday (24/2)
Port Melbourne – Moreland City 18:00
Dandenong Thunder – Heidelberg United 19:00
Sunday (25/2)
Oakleigh Cannons – Altona Magic 16:30
St Albans Saints – Dandenong City 17:00
Monday (26/2)
South Melbourne – Hume City 19:30
NPL – Table
1. Hume City 2 6
2. Avondale 2 6
3. South Melbourne 2 6
4. Oakleigh Cannons 2 4
5. Port Melb Sharks 2 4
6. Heidelberg Utd 2 4
7. Dand City 2 3
8. Green Gully 2 3
9. Manningham 2 3
10. St. Albans 2 1
11. Altona Magic 2 0
12. Dandenong 2 0
13. Moreland 2 0
14. Melb Knights 2 0
NPL1 – Schedule
Friday (23/2)
Preston Lions – Western United 20:30
Werribee City – Melbourne City 20:30
Northcote City – Kingston City 20:30
Saturday (24/2)
Caroline Springs George Cross – Brunswick City 17:30
Langwarrin – North Geelong Warriors 19:00
Monday (26/2)
Melbourne Victory – Bentleigh Greens 20:30
Bulleen Lions v Eastern Lions 20:30
NPL1 – Table
1. Melb Victory 2 6
2. Werribee City 2 4
3. Langwarrin 2 4
4. Carol Springs 2 4
5. Brunswick 2 4
6. Kingston 1 3
7. Northcote 2 3
8. Eastern Lions 2 2
9. Bulleen Lions 1 1
10. Preston Lions 2 1
11. Melb City 1 0
12. Western Utd 2 0
13. Bentl Greens 1 0
14. North Geelong 2 0
