Hume City – South Melbourne
It seems like South Melbourne is having a wild ride, like a train with no brakes. Led by the talented Argentinean coach Equintas, they faced off against top rivals Hume City and it was an all-out war on the field.
But just when it seemed like they were headed for a tie, Marco Jankovic swooped in like a mechanical deity and scored the game-changing goal, igniting a frenzy of celebration.
South Melbourne is like the MacGyver of the soccer world – they always find a way to accomplish their goals.
They tackle any challenges that come their way and build unbreakable mental toughness in preparation for the grueling months ahead. Plus, with a four-point lead over the Cannons and five-point lead over Avondale, these points could end up being the real game-changer in the future.
It’s safe to say the Greek Australian team has their sights set on the top spot and with epic performances like this one, they’re proving all the doubters wrong.
Altona Magic – Oakleigh Cannons
The Cannons are like a well-oiled machine, steamrolling their way to the top.
Their impressive display at Paisley Park has them just four points shy of the top of the table.
With their sharp passing, impenetrable defense, and deadly precision in the final third, they left the home team surrendering to their fate.
Captain Joe Guest stole the show with his killer goal and electrifying energy. And with a perfectly executed header from Pierce Waring, the scoreboard was left at a decisive 0-2.
It’s clear that this team, led by the experienced Chris Taylor, is a team of sharpshooters, aiming for nothing less than the top spot.
Their focus is unwavering, and it seems they’ll stop at nothing to take the throne.
Heidelberg United – Dandenong Thunder
Heidelberg United is back in business!
The “black and yellow” squad wasted no time in asserting their dominance on the field, shutting down all pathways to Sozer’s box and executing their game plan with surgical precision. In fact, they were more ruthless than Marie Antoinette at a bakery – scoring their first goal in just 14 minutes. And who else but Ben Collins to seal the deal with a spectacular goal from an impossible angle?
The opposition didn’t stand a chance as the home team continued to steamroll their way to a 2-0 lead, with Kaine Sheppard scoring like a boss in the 39th minute.
It was a masterclass in maintaining control and getting the job done – something Heidelberg United knows all too well as a top-ranked club.
Looks like their previous loss against Oakleigh was just a minor detour on the road to success.
It was another stellar performance by these lads, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with all the way to the finals.
Moreland City – Port Melbourne
Port Melbourne gave Moreland a run for their money, leaving CB Smith Reserve with only one point to show for it.
Despite falling behind early on, Nick Marinos’ squad fought tooth and nail (and sweat and blood) to secure that precious point. And it was none other than the unexpected hero, Alec Becvinovski, with a last minute goal that sealed the deal.
The onslaught of the Greek Australian team kept the home team on their toes for the full 90 minutes.
Moreland’s defense was like a sandcastle against the waves, constantly under attack. But it was Becvinovski’s impeccable footwork and killer left shot that secured the tie, leaving the home team’s keeper with no chance to react.
VPL1
Northcote City trounced Kingston City with a sizzling victory, inching closer to the top of the table alongside Melbourne Victory. Despite the misleading 2-5 score, the match was anything but one sided. Kingston City showed some spunk, snatching the lead in the 17th minute and holding onto it almost until halftime. But Northcote City’s lucky penalty call in the dying moments of the first half gave them a boost, leaving Kingston City’s coach, Peter Tsolakis, fuming and frustrated at the referee.
In the second half, Northcote City came back swinging with a fierce determination to dominate the game, ultimately claiming the win.
Last Friday, the showdown between Melbourne Victory and Bentleigh Greens had all the makings of a gladiator match.
The tension was high as they battled it out on the field, engaging in epic one-on-one battles, mainly in the center. Despite their valiant efforts, the score remained stagnant, leaving us with a stalemate.
George Katsakis’ revitalized squad seem to have finally shaken off their train wreck of a playing style from last season, which sent them to VPL1.
Brunswick City showed off their impressive skills on Friday night as they dominated George Cross with a 3-1 victory. It was a swift and formidable win that shot them up to seventh place in the standings. The other teams better watch out, because Brunswick City is bringing their A game.
VPL2
Box Hill showed their winning spirit and conquered Pascoe Vale with a 2-1 victory on enemy turf. While the home team seemed somewhat disinterested, Box Hill’s passion for victory prevailed. And in a dramatic finale, Ryan Okamoto soared to hero status as he secured the winning goal, causing his teammates to erupt into a blissful frenzy.
NPL – RESULTS
Avondale – Melbourne Knights 1 – 1 (46′ C. Cuba – 90+5′ C. Bramwell)
Manningham United – Green Gully 1 – 1 (90+4′ J. Kada – 17′ M. Adam)
Moreland City – Port Melbourne Sharks 1 – 1 (2′ M. Sporle – 90′ A. Becvinovski)
Dandenong City – St Albans Saints 2 – 0 (31′ T. Atherinos, 33′ G. Lamparinidis)
Altona Magic – Oakleigh Cannons 0 – 2 (10′ J. Guest, 31′ P. Waring)
Hume City – South Melbourne 0 – 1 (90′ M. Jankovic)
Heidelberg United – Dandenong Thunder 2 – 0 (14′ B. Collins, 39′ K. Sheppard)
NPL – TABLE
1. South Melbourne 16 41
2. Oakleigh Cannons 16 37
3. Avondale 16 36
4. Heidelberg Utd 16 33
5. Hume City 16 30
6. Port Melb Sharks 16 28
7. Dand City 16 22
8. Altona Magic 16 17
9. Melb Knights 16 16
10. Green Gully 16 16
11. Dand Thunder 16 15
12. Manningham 16 10
13. St. Albans 16 7
14. Moreland 16 7
VPL1 – RESULTS
Brunswick City – Caroline Springs 3 – 1
Bentleigh Greens – Melbourne Victory 0 – 0
Kingston City – Northcote City 2 – 5
Melbourne City – Werribee City 7 – 1
North Geelong Warriors – Langwarrin 1 – 0
Eastern Lions – Bulleen Lions 0 – 2
Western United – Preston Lions 4 – 2
VPL1 –TABLE
1. Melb Victory 16 35
2. Preston Lions 16 31
3. Northcote 16 31
4. Western Utd 16 30
5. Bentl Greens 16 25
6. Bulleen Lions 16 21
7. Langwarrin 16 21
8. Melb City 16 20
9. Brunswick City 16 19
10. Eastern Lions 16 18
11. Carol Springs 16 16
12. Kingston 16 15
13. Werribee City 16 12
14. North Geelong 16 10
VPL2 – RESULTS
Pascoe Vale – Box Hill United 1 – 2
North Sunshine Eagles – Doveton 6 – 0
Beaumaris – Nunawading City 1 – 2
Boroondara Carey Eagles – Altona City 1 – 1
FC Melbourne Srbija – Brunswick Juventus 3 – 1
Essendon Royals – Goulburn Valley Suns 3 – 1
VPL2 – RATING
1. Altona City 12 26
2. Nth Sunsh. Eagles 12 26
3. FC Melb. Serbia 12 26
4. Brun Juventus 12 23
5. Essendon Royals 12 18
6. Boroondara Eagles 12 16
7. Nunawading City 12 16
8. Pascoe Vale 12 15
9. Box Hill 12 15
10. Doveton 12 9
11. Goulburn Valley 12 8
12. Beaumaris 12 4
