One glance at the NPL table and it’s all South Melbourne Hellas’ kingdom, but the next week it’s a free-for-all with no clear ruler.
That’s the beauty of the NPL and football – it’s always unpredictable. Round 21 is packed with nail-biting matches that could completely alter the standings and keep us on the edge of our seats in this epic league saga.
Port Melbourne – Oakleigh Cannons
Get ready for a Greek community showdown as Port Melbourne takes on Oakleigh Cannons at 5pm this Saturday.
While Coach Nick Marinos is losing players faster than Greece lost their ancient treasures to the London museum, the remaining team members are struggling to keep their love for football alive as fans rage on.
And let’s not forget the board members who are luxuriating in Greece while their team suffers.
Will the starting eleven be uncertain? Only time and player availability will tell.
But the Oakleigh Cannons are coming in strong after a major win against their big rival, Hellas. With a restructured defense and potential for a new fate, they just might be able to clinch a victory against the Sharks and continue strong on their hunt for Avondale and South Melbourne.
South Melbourne – Dandenong Thunder
This week, South Melbourne will try to bounce back from their recent smackdown at the hands of Cannons. Their next challenge? The dangerous Dandenong Thunder.
Don’t be fooled by their 11th place ranking, these Albanian Australians are still a force to be reckoned with.
While their defence may be leakier than a sieve, their offense can take on even the most skilled defenders in the league. Just ask Green Gully, who barely managed a tie against them in their last match.
If the home team wants to avoid any slip-ups and keep their points intact, they better take this game seriously. But with the Argentinian coach at the helm and a roster of fresh new talent, it’s sure to be an entertaining match.
Mark your calendars for Sunday at 5 pm (7/7) and expect clear skies. Is there a better way to wrap up your weekend than with some local footy? I think not.
St Albans Saints – Heidelberg United
Get ready for a gritty battle as Heidelberg United takes on the St Albans Saints this week. The Black and Yellows showed some impressive skills against Avondale last week, but let’s face it, good performances alone won’t get you the championship title.
With John Anastasiadis at the helm, this team isn’t settling for just “performing well”. They’re after those crucial points and they’re going to go all out against St Albans on Sunday. If they succeed, they’ll have a fighting chance at the top three spots and they’ll keep 6th placed Hume City at bay.
But let’s not underestimate the scrappy Saints, who are fighting to avoid getting kicked out of the league.
It’s going to be a tough match, but hopefully United will shut them down and return to Heidelberg with a sweet three-point victory. Fingers crossed.
VPL1
It seems like fate has decided to give Kingston City a run for their money.
The Greek Australian powerhouse suffered a crushing defeat of 0-2 at their home ground against Bentleigh Greens.
With the regular season coming to a close soon, they are now teetering on the brink of danger in the rankings. Adding salt to their wounds, they will face a formidable opponent in Langwarrin away from home this week. Clearly, things are not looking rosy for the “red and whites”.
After last week’s defeat against North Geelong Warriors, Northcote City will be thirsty for a win like a camel in the desert. Can they quench their winning drought against George Cross this weekend?
After a glorious away triumph against Kingston City, Bentleigh Greens are now on the hunt for a new prey – the Eastern Lions. Let the streak continue!
Looks like Brunswick City is up against the ropes, currently in 11th place and teetering just four points away from the dreaded relegation zone. But they plan to make a roaring comeback this weekend as they face the Bulleen Lions in hopes of clawing their way out of the bottom. Good luck boys.
VPL2
Box Hill United is determined to make a comeback and leave their opponents in the dust. Their showdown against Boroondara on Friday night (5/7) is a make-or-break for the Greek Australian squad, who currently occupy 9th place and are desperately trying to avoid the dreaded relegation zone. Time to unleash the gladiators.
NPL – SCHEDULE
Friday, 5/7
Melbourne Knights – Manningham United 7.30pm
Saturday, 6/7
Green Gully – Dandenong City 1pm
Moreland City – Hume City 3pm
Port Melbourne Sharks – Oakleigh Cannons 5pm
Altona Magic – Avondale 6.15pm
Sunday, 7/7
St Albans Saints – Heidelberg United 3pm
South Melbourne – Dandenong Thunder 5pm
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 – SCHEDULE
Friday, 5/7
Langwarrin – Kingston City 7.30pm
Saturday, 6/7
Eastern Lions v Bentleigh Greens 3pm
Caroline Springs v Northcote City 5.30pm
Preston Lions – North Geelong Warriors 6pm
Sunday, 7/7
Melbourne Victory – Werribee City 2pm
Western United – Melbourne City 4pm
Monday, 8/7
Bulleen Lions – Brunswick City 8.30pm
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. Bentl Greens 20 28
8. Melb City 20 25
9. Carol Springs 20 23
10. Eastern Lions 20 21
11. Brunswick City 20 20
12. Kingston 20 19
13. Werribee City 20 16
14. North Geelong 20 14
VPL2 – SCHEDULE
Friday, 5/7
Box Hill United v Boroondara Carey Eagles 7.30pm
Pascoe Vale – Brunswick Juventus 8.30pm
North Sunshine Eagles – Essendon Royals 8.30pm
Altona City – Beaumaris 8.30pm
Saturday, 6/7
Doveton – FC Melbourne Serbia 3pm
Goulburn Valley Suns – Nunawading City 5pm
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 16 23
7. Essendon Royals 16 22
8. Nunawading City 16 20
9. Box Hill 16 19
10. Doveton 15 13
11. Goulburn Valley 16 9
12. Beaumaris 16 8
