Looks like the football gods are feeling generous this year, granting us a season packed with thrill, mystery, and fervor. The race to the top spot is fierce, as a handful of teams possess the right chops to clinch the title in this marathon competition. The Greek Australian squads are crushing it, with each one claiming a spot in the top six and making the whole Greek community proud.
Melbourne Knights – South Melbourne
The most highly anticipated showdown of this round is none other than the grand opening act. This Friday, at 7.30pm, get ready to witness the clash between South Melbourne and Melbourne Knights at the legendary Knights Stadium. It’s a classic NPL derby and a daunting task for South Melbourne as they strive for the championship title, a feat that their entire blue and white clan fervently desires.
The “Knights” have let down their loyal supporters with their underwhelming performance so far, languishing in a pitiful ninth place on the leaderboard. Not quite what they had envisioned for themselves this season, to say the least.
Last week, they failed to secure a home victory against Green Gully, with a rather lackluster 3-3 draw as the final score.
Meanwhile, South Melbourne had a ball of a time with a convincing 4-1 win on the road against St Albans, adding more spark to their already soaring spirit under the leadership of Esteban Quintas. With an impressive squad this year, their confidence knows no bounds.
The Argentinian maestro is definitely geared up for the all-important 14th game of the season and is expected to unleash his mighty warriors onto the field.
Heidelberg United – Altona Magic
Heidelberg United is finally coming back to their turf for this round. Thanks to John Anastasiadis, the team has been revamped and ready to conquer.
The “yellow and black” put on a dazzling display of football in their away game against Dandenong City. With their dominance on the pitch, it was like watching a lion playing with its food.
This year, Altona Magic has not been anything magical. They have been struggling to find balance in their performance.
United is expecting to breeze through this game against Magic. But they shouldn’t let their guard down, they need to bring their A-game like they have been all season.
Be there at 4pm on Sunday to witness the United takeover!
Manningham United – Oakleigh Cannons
The Oakleigh Cannons are making their way back up the league ladder with determination.
Despite the challenges, the Greek Australian club has their eyes on the top spot. They prove their strength by taking down top teams, like Hume, with ease.
But don’t let Manningham’s lower ranking fool you, they still have the skill to cause trouble for any opponent. With their killer midfield and front line, scoring goals is a piece of… baklava for them.
However, the Cannons must remain focused and limit the home team’s strong midfield if they want to secure another sweet away victory.
It’s time to bring out the big guns and shoot for success!
St Albans Saints – Port Melbourne Sharks
The Port Melbourne Sharks are ready to bounce back from their aquatic disaster last week.
They were in hot water against Avondale, the reigning champions, who made them sink with a crushing 5-1 score. But fear not, this weekend they’re up against St Albans, who are like a sleepy shark at the bottom of the league.
Their defense is like a measly sandcastle, having let in thirty-two goals, and their offense is about as effective as a fish with no fins, only scoring twelve goals. But let’s not get too cocky, our Greek Australian squad will have to bring their A-game in order to reel in a victory in St Albans.
Here’s hoping they make a splash and cement their spot in the top six of the ranks.
VPL1
The battle between the NPL1 teams is heating up.
Northcote, currently in third place, will have their hands full as they face off against Melbourne Victory, the fearless leaders.
Meanwhile, Bentleigh Greens are bracing themselves for a run-in with the unpredictable Langwarrin, who are nipping at their heels just five points behind.
Talk about a nail-biting match!
At Brunswick City’s home turf, they’ll be facing the Eastern Lions and hope to score a win that could catapult them to sixth place.
And let’s not forget about Kingston City, hungry for a home win against Western United to climb out of their spot at the bottom of the standings.
The VPL2
Looks like Box Hill United is going for the gold again this weekend. With a thrilling 2-1 victory over Doveton last week, they’re on a winning streak and ready to take on Nunawading in their away match.
Clear your schedule for Saturday, because the game starts at 4pm sharp at Mahoney Reserve. It’s bound to be a showdown in Forest Hill
NPL – SCHEDULE
Friday, 17/5
Melbourne Knights – South Melbourne 7.30pm
Dandenong City v Avondale 7.45pm
Moreland City – Green Gully 8.30pm
Saturday, 18/5
Manningham United – Oakleigh Cannons 3pm
St Albans Saints – Port Melbourne Sharks 5pm
Hume City – Dandenong Thunder 7pm
Sunday, 19/5
Heidelberg United – Altona Magic 4pm
NPL – TABLE
Teams Matches Points
1. South Melbourne 13 31
2. Heidelberg Utd 13 29
3. Avondale 13 29
4. Oakleigh Cannons 13 28
5. Hume City 13 26
6. Port Melb Sharks 13 21
7. Dand City 13 16
8. Altona Magic 13 16
9. Melb Knights 13 15
10. Green Gully 13 15
11. Dand Thunder 13 11
12. Manningham 13 9
13. St. Albans 13 7
14. Moreland 13 3
VPL1 – SCHEDULE
Friday, 17/5
Preston Lions v Bulleen Lions 8.30pm
Bentleigh Greens v Langwarrin 8.30pm
Saturday, 18/5
Melbourne City – Caroline Springs 3pm
Eastern Lions – Brunswick City 3pm
North Geelong Warriors – Werribee City 3pm
Kingston City – Western United 6pm
Sunday, 19/5
Melbourne Victory – Northcote City 3pm
VPL1 – TABLE
Teams Matches Points
1. Melb Victory 13 33
2. Preston Lions 13 27
3. Northcote 12 23
4. Bentl Greens 13 23
5. Western Utd 13 23
6. Langwarrin 13 18
7. Brunswick City 13 16
8. Bulleen Lions 12 16
9. Carol Springs 13 15
10. Kingston 13 14
11. Melb City 13 13
12. Eastern Lions 13 11
13. Werribee City 13 8
14. North Geelong 13 4
VPL2 – SCHEDULE
Saturday, 18/5
Nunawading City – Box Hill United 3pm
Doveton City – Beaumaris 3pm
Boroondara v Carey Eagles v Essendon Royals 3pm
Pascoe Vale – Goulburn Valley Suns 3.15pm
Altona City – Brunswick Juventus 6pm
FC Melbourne Srbija – North Sunshine Eagles 6.15pm
VPL2 – TABLE
Teams Matches Points
1. Altona City 9 21
2. Brun Juventus 9 21
3. FC Melb. Serbia 9 20
4. Nth Sunsh. Eagles 9 19
5. Essendon Royals 9 15
6. Pascoe Vale 9 12
7. Boroondara Eagles 9 11
8. Nunawading City 9 10
9. Box Hll 9 9
10. Goulburn Valley 9 7
11. Beaumaris 8 4
12. Doveton 9 3
