The Cannons came out on top in the derby against South Melbourne Hellas – Despite Avondale’s best efforts, Heidelberg United refused to back down and walked away with a hard earned point – The only magic happening for Port Melbourne during their match against Altona was disappearing expectations – The weekend hit Northcote and Brunswick City like a ton of bricks.
South Melbourne – Oakleigh Cannons
The much-awaited showdown between South Melbourne and Oakleigh Cannons certainly lived up to the hype.
Despite the lackluster crowd of only 300-400 people, the Cannons brought the heat at the picturesque Lakeside Stadium and snagged three crucial points for the triumph.
The home team’s faithful fans were left feeling frosty, both from the chilly weather and the disappointment of seeing Oakleigh’s Kingsley Sinclair capitalize on the South Melbourne goalie’s mistake in just the 4th minute. But the visiting fans were probably too busy celebrating to even notice the bad weather.
Despite their recent string of flops and failures, Oakleigh Cannons managed to cling onto their lead until halftime, much to the surprise of skeptics who probably thought Chris Taylor’s team would be an easy prey for South Melbourne.
As it turns out, the visitors had different plans and were determined to grab the victory.
In the second half, the home team tried to apply more pressure, but the Cannons had a wall of defense that would make even Trump proud.
However, in the 75th minute, we saw a goal so rare in NPL stadiums, it was like spotting a unicorn.
Uruguayan Mateo Barcia brought some spicy Latin American flair to the pitch, leaving the visitors’ goalie feeling like a chump. It was a display of true beauty, proving that some players in the league are in a league of their own. But the Cannons weren’t done yet.
Just when everyone thought the home team would score the game-winner, Oliver Kubilay swooped in like a dark knight, giving his team the lead and officially ending the match.
This win was crucial for Oakleigh, giving them a much-needed morale boost and keeping them in the game for the top spot in the standings.
Now that’s what I call a real nail-biter.
Heidelberg United – Avondale
Last Friday night at the Alexandros Stadium in Heidelberg, we witnessed a nail-biting football match.
The local team clashed with last year’s champions, Avondale, in a game overflowing with sheer determination, slick maneuvers, and tactical finesse from both sides. While there weren’t many twists and turns, the tension was palpable as neither team wanted to take a gamble in this high-stakes showdown.
With the players primarily focusing on the midfield, it seemed like the ninety minutes would end in a stalemate.
But then, in the 90th minute, Cian Cuba of Avondale stunned the home fans with a phenomenal goal.
Just when they thought the game was in the bag, Sebit James of Heidelberg United swooped in at the 93rd minute, scoring a header from Sean Ellis’ corner kick.
Talk about a jaw-dropping finale!
Altona Magic – Port Melbourne Sharks
Port Melbourne fought hard against Altona Magic, but alas, their wand was out of tricks as they fell with a score of 1 – 0.
Despite the valiant effort, the Greek Australian team’s lack of attacking spark and defensive woes led to a disappointing loss. If only they had spent less time giving away possession and more time scoring goals, they could have avoided the painful sting of defeat.
Now, they must buckle down and rack up the points if they want to hold onto a top six spot. With only a two point difference between them and Dandenong City, things are bound to get heated for the rest of the season.
As we glance through the round 20 results, two victories truly stood out: Dandenong City’s triumphant 7-1 defeat against Moreland City and Manningham United’s crushing 4-0 win over St Albans. But the real star of the show was none other than Englishman Ben Everson. The Manningham United striker dazzled on the field and pulled off one of the most epic hat tricks of the season.
VPL1
The weekend was darker than a touch-up job on a goth’s hair for Northcote City and Brunswick City, as they were both served a large helping of defeat and despair. Northcote City fell hard, losing 2-3 on their own turf to underdogs North Geelong.
It was a Greek tragedy for the team, who now have to work on their game if they want to have any hopes of promotion.
Meanwhile, Brunswick City suffered a rough 6-3 loss in Langwarrin. They put up a good fight, but couldn’t handle the ferocious offensive attack from the home team.
The VPL2
Box Hill United put up a valiant effort during their away game against Altona City, but came out empty-handed. Despite their best efforts, they let in a goal just before the final whistle. Talk about a missed opportunity! The 1-0 defeat left a sour flavor for all those rooting for the Greek-Australian squad.
NPL – RESULTS
Dandenong City – Moreland City 7 – 1 (16′ K. Athiu [P], 39′ K. Athiu [P], 45′ T. Atherinos, 52′ V. Censik, 62′ T. Atherinos, 83′ W. Bower – 7′ J. Arancibia)
Heidelberg United – Avondale 1 – 1 (90+3′ James Ngor – 90′ C. Cuba)
Altona Magic – Port Melbourne Sharks 1 – 0 (88′ B. Juach)
Manningham United – St Albans Saints 4 – 0 (5′ B. Everson, 63′ B. Everson, 77′ B. Everson, 87′ D. Akol)
Dandenong Thunder – Green Gully 1 – 1 (90+5′ P. Clark – 67′ A. Koudakpo)
Hume City – Melbourne Knights 1 – 1 (79′ L. Isgrove – 45+1′ C. Bramwell)
South Melbourne – Oakleigh Cannons 1 – 2 (75’ M. Barcia – 4’ K. Sinclair, 87’ O. Kubilay
NPL – Table
1. South Melbourne 20 47
2. Avondale 20 43
3. Oakleigh Cannons 20 40
4. Heidelberg Utd 20 38
5. Hume City 20 37
6. Port Melb Sharks 20 30
7. Dand City 20 28
8. Melb Knights 20 26
9. Green Gully 20 24
10. Altona Magic 20 24
11. Dand Thunder 20 22
12. Manningham 20 14
13. Moreland 20 10
14. St. Albans 20 10
VPL1 – RESULTS
Preston Lions – Eastern Lions 0 – 2
Werribee City – Bulleen Lions 0 – 0
Melbourne City – Melbourne Victory 3 – 3
Northcote City – North Geelong Warriors 2 – 3
Langwarrin – Brunswick City 6 – 3
Caroline Springs – Western United 3 – 2
Kingston City – Bentleigh Greens*
*This match was played on Monday night (1/7)
VPL1 – TABLE
1. Melb Victory 20 42
2. Northcote 20 38
3. Preston Lions 20 38
4. Western Utd 20 37
5. Langwarrin 20 31
6. Bulleen Lions 20 29
7. Melb City 20 25
8. Bentl Greens 19 25
9. Carol Springs 20 23
10. Eastern Lions 20 21
11. Brunswick City 20 20
12. Kingston 19 19
13. Werribee City 20 16
14. North Geelong 20 14
VPL2 – RESULTS
Brunswick Juventus – Beaumaris 0 – 1
Essendon Royals – Pascoe Vale 2 – 3
North Sunshine Eagles – Nunawading City 1 – 1
Altona City – Box Hill United 1 – 0
Goulburn Valley Suns – FC Melbourne Srbija 1 – 3
Doveton – Boroondara Carey Eagles 3 – 1
VPL2 – TABLE
1. Nth Sunsh. Eagles 16 34
2. FC Melb. Serbia 16 33
3. Brun Juventus 16 30
4. Altona City 16 30
5. Pascoe Vale 15 24
6. Boroondara Eagles 15 23
7. Essendon Royals 16 22
8. Nunawading City 16 20
9. Box Hill 16 19
10. Doveton 14 10
11. Goulburn Valley 16 9
12. Beaumaris 16 8
