The fifth match day of the NPL was exciting as games throughout the state showcased a wide range of events.
The lineup offered something for everyone – including derbies, spectacular goals, large crowds, hot temperatures, and even fan brawls.
The unpredictable and beautiful world of Victorian football certainly delivered on all fronts.
South Melbourne – Heidelberg United
The 5th Math Day’s main event took place on Friday (8/3) night at Lakeside Stadium in South Melbourne where the fans from both teams packed the main stand to support their favorite footballers and enjoy a night full of rich Blue and White football history.
The home team got off to a great start with their captain Harrison Sawyer scoring in just the 2nd minute.
Despite their quick lead, South Melbourne did not slow down and dominated the pitch for about 15 minutes.
As the game’s first quarter passed, the visitors improved their performance, gained possession of the ball, and equalized in the 23rd minute with Joshua Pin’s incredible long shot.
After halftime, the players returned to the field determined to win. However, the level of spectacle dropped and the physicality increased, resulting in a second half that resembled a Greco-Roman wrestling match more than a football game.
The final whistle from the referee found the two rivals leaving the pitch with a tied score of 1 – 1.
Oakleigh Cannons – Dandenong Thunder
Fans of the rival teams, Cannons and Thunder, turned the match chaotic when they broke out into a wild brawl.
The game, which was taking place in Oakleigh on Friday night, had to be abandoned while the score was 2-0 with the Cannons in the lead.
According to reports, some fans even threw objects at the police who were called to the scene.
Three people were reportedly injured during the altercation.
Football Victoria issued a statement.
“Football Victoria is aware of a serious incident that took place at the Round 5 fixture between Oakleigh Cannons FC and Dandenong Thunder FC,” the statement from Football Victoria reads.
“FV condemns all forms of anti-social behaviour and violence, in line with FV’s rules of competition and spectator code of behaviour.
“FV has contacted both clubs, who join FV in condemning the behaviour and will fully co-operate with the investigation.
“FV is engaging with all relevant stakeholders to collect detail on the incident.
“FV will share further detail on sanctions in due course.”
Port Melbourne – Manningham United
Port Melbourne is truly an unstoppable force so far this season.
Their recent match against Manningham was nothing short of a masterpiece as the Melbourne Harbor team put on a stunning display of skill and determination, emerging victorious with a three-goal win.
Led by the talented Nick Marinos, the team played with flawless precision, keeping their opponents at bay with an impenetrable defence and showcasing their fluid movements as they effortlessly netted three goals.
The crowd roared with excitement as Marc Latsis opened the scoring in the 31st minute, followed by a spectacular performance from Peters who sealed the triumph for his team with two goals in the 60th and 70th minutes.
It was a night to remember for the devoted fans of Port Melbourne, who were treated to an unforgettable display of football from their beloved players.
This latest victory highlighted again their potential for an exceptional season ahead.
VPL1
Despite their valiant efforts, Kingston United was unable to leave Preston with their heads held high.
The Greek team put up a fierce fight against Preston Lions, but unfortunately, they were ultimately defeated on the pitch with a score of 2-1.
The winner of the Greek derby was Northcote City.
The Blues traveled to Cheltenham to face Bentleigh Greens and managed to emerge victorious with a score of 1-2.
The scorers for the winning team were Scaletis and Zac Bates.
Brunswick City was on fire as they defeated Werribee 5-0.
The standout player for the home team was Dylan Allshorn, who scored a hat trick and proved why he is considered one of the best players in VPL1..
VPL2
Pythagoras (Box Hill United) began their journey in the VPL2 Season 2024 this past weekend.
The Box Hill team hosted Pascoe Vale for the first match of the new season, but unfortunately could not hold off the visitors who left the Greek team’s field with a 3-0 victory.
It is important to mention that the first goal for Pascoe Vale was scored by Nikos Hatzigeorgiou.
NPL – RESULTS
South Melbourne – Heidelberg United 1 – 1 (2′ H. Sawyer – 23′ J. Pin)
Oakleigh Cannons – Dandenong Thunder 2 – 0 (Half Time)
Green Gully – Altona Magic 2 – 4 (45+3′ A. Koudakpo, 52′ L. Tevere – 14′ J. Rezai, 56′ J. Rezai, 67′ B. Juach, 90+1′ S. Moukachar)
Hume City – Avondale 1 – 2 (78′ A. Abdallah – 45+4′ K. Kur, 87′ Y. Ahmed)
Port Melbourne Sharks – Manningham United Blues 3 – 0 (31′ M. Latsis, 60′ E. Peters, 70′ E. Peters)
Melbourne Knights – Dandenong City 2 – 2 (14′ G. Albano, 64′ G. Albano – 66′ K. Athiu, 68′ T. Atherinos)
St Albans Saints – Moreland City 4 – 0 (12′ B. Summerskill [Π], 44′ B. Summerskill [Π], 70′ I. Razumic, 77′ S. Bakkor)
NPL – TABLE
1. South Melbourne 5 13
2. Avondale 5 13
3. Heidelberg Utd 5 11
4. Port Melb Sharks 5 10
5. Hume City 5 9
6. Dand City 5 8
7. Green Gully 5 6
8. Oakleigh Cannons 3 5
9. Melb Knights 5 5
10. St. Albans 5 4
11. Altona Magic 4 3
12. Dande Thunder 4 3
13. Manningham 5 3
14. Moreland 5 0
VPL1 – RESULTS
Preston Lions – Kingston City 2 – 1
Brunswick City – Werribee City 5 – 0
Bentleigh Greens – Northcote City 1 – 2
Caroline Springs George Cross – Bulleen Lions 0 – 1
Melbourne Victory – North Geelong Warriors 4 – 0
Melbourne City – Langwarrin 1 – 3
Western United – Eastern Lions*
* This match will be played on Wednesday (13/3)
VPL1 – TABLE
1. Melb Victory 5 13
2. Langwarrin 5 13
3. Kingston 5 10
4. Bulleen Lions 5 7
5. Brunswick 5 8
6. Preston Lions 5 8
7. Northcote 5 7
8. Melb City 5 5
9. Carol Springs 5 5
10. Werribee City 5 5
11. Bentl Greens 5 4
12. Western Utd 4 3
13. Eastern Lions 4 2
14. North Geelong 5 0