Heidelberg United FC has claimed its first victory of the season with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the youthful Melbourne Victory NPL team at their home ground.
The hero of the day for the “yellow and blacks” was undoubtedly Max Bisetto.
The young winger was a constant threat to the Victory defence, and it was his goal that ultimately sealed the three points for his team.
In the 21st minute, Bisetto capitalised on some excellent teamwork, receiving the ball inside the box and firing a powerful shot past the outstretched hand of Victory’s goalkeeper, Christian Sicilliano, who had otherwise been in excellent form throughout the match.
Alexandros dominated the first half and could have easily gone into the break with a larger lead. However, the second half saw a dramatic shift in momentum.
Melbourne Victory emerged from the sheds with renewed vigour, putting immense pressure on Alexandros and nearly snatching an equalizer. But the United defence held firm, securing a crucial clean sheet and the much-needed victory.
Alexandros coach, John Anastasiadis, expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance, particularly in the first half.
“We played an exceptional first half,” said Anastasiadis. “Our pressing was spot on, we were strong in our challenges, and if we had been a bit more clinical, we could have scored more goals. The second half was a different story. The weather changed, and so did the game. Melbourne Victory lifted their game, and credit to them, they dominated the second half. It was disappointing for us, but we have to acknowledge our opponents’ efforts. We’ll take the three points, analyse the game, identify why our performance dropped in the second half, and continue working hard.”
Alexandros will now turn their attention to their next challenge, a difficult away game against St Albans Saints on Sunday, February 23. The Saints are a tough and uncompromising team, capable of causing problems for any opponent.
Oakleigh Cannons, the reigning champions, have been unable to secure a victory for the second consecutive round.
Chris Taylor’s “Cannons” fought tooth and nail for the three points but were ultimately forced to settle for a draw. The match was relatively balanced. The visitors seemed initially surprised by the intense and dynamic pressure of the home team, but after the first ten minutes, they began to find cohesion between their lines, suggesting it was only a matter of time before they took complete control of the match.
However, in the 50th minute, a controversial refereeing decision dramatically changed the course of the game. Green Gully was awarded a rather harsh penalty, which Amar Abdallah confidently converted to give his team the lead.
The visitors did not give up. They increased their intensity, took control of the game, and eventually equalized with a superb goal by Joseph Knowles in the 62nd minute. This was the final score of a match that left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Greek Australian club, which will now focus on the next round and the match against Port Melbourne, to be played on Friday evening, February 21st, at the beautiful Port Melbourne.
Port Melbourne has suffered its second consecutive league defeat. The Greek Australian club has had the misfortune of facing two of the league’s top teams in the first two rounds of the new season.
Following last week’s home loss to South Melbourne, it was Avondale’s turn on Saturday to cast a further shadow over the Sharks. Avondale seemed unstoppable on the pitch. They opened the scoring in just the 4th minute after a fatal error and own goal by Jonathan Vakirtzis, while the team’s star player, Stefan Zini, made it 2-0 in the 29th minute.
The Italian Australian team’s dominance continued in the second half, even after the visitors pulled one back in the 53rd minute with a well-taken penalty by Diaz. George Ott made it 3-1 in the 59th minute, and Aguek put the icing on the cake with another beautiful goal in the 87th minute.
The uphill battle continues for the Sharks, as they will host another league heavyweight, Oakleigh Cannons, in the next round.
VPL1
Bentleigh Greens faced a tough challenge on Sunday afternoon, taking on Melbourne City NPL. Despite their best efforts, the Greens were ultimately forced to accept a 1-0 defeat.
Northcote City has secured a crucial 1-0 away victory over Moreland City. Demonstrating immense mental fortitude, the players fought with heart and managed to claim a vital victory that will undoubtedly boost their morale and optimism for the remainder of the season.
Brunswick City drew 1-1 against Melbourne Srbija. Leonidas battled hard for the win despite conceding a goal late in the first half. They raised their game in the second half and managed to equalize in the 68th minute, securing at least one valuable point.
Kingston City suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against Western United NPL. The Tagkalakis-Tsolakis team were unable to resist the youthful exuberance of Western’s players and left the ground with a significant loss.
VPL2
Box Hill United was unable to avoid a defeat away from home. The only Greek Australian team in the division travelled to North Geelong to face the local Warriors. The visitors fought hard, scoring a goal but unfortunately conceded two. Pythagoras has yet to taste victory in these first two rounds of the league and will need to find a more effective approach quickly.
NPL – Results
Green Gully – Oakleigh Cannons 1 – 1 (50′ A. Abdallah [p] – 62′ J. Knowles)
Heidelberg United – Melbourne Victory NPL 1 – 0 (21′ M. Bisetto)
Dandenong City – Preston Lions 2 – 2 (77′ J. Latham, 81′ K. Athiu – 26′ L. Brooks, 90+2′ G. Serdenes)
Avondale – Port Melbourne Sharks 4 – 1 (4′ J. Vakirtzis [OG], 29′ S. Zinni, 59′ G. Ott, 87′ M. Aguek – 53′ L. Diaz [p])
Altona Magic – St Albans Saints 2 – 1 (19′ B. Habib, A. Frangie – 90+3′ F. McFarlane)
South Melbourne – Melbourne Knights (This match will be played on Monday afternoon)
NPL – Standings
1. Avondale 2 6
2. Preston Lions 2 4
3. Altona Magic 2 4
4. Melb Knights 1 3
5. South Melbourne 1 3
6. Dand Thunder 1 3
7. Heidelberg Utd 2 3
8. Hume City 2 3
9. Dand City 2 2
10. St. Albans 2 1
11. Green Gully 2 1
12. Oakleigh Cannons 2 1
13. Mel Victory NPL 2 1
14. Port Melb Sharks 2 0
VPL1 – Results
Eastern Lions – Manningham United 2 – 3
Langwarrin – Bulleen Lions 1 – 4
Brunswick City – Melbourne Srbija 1 – 1
Western United – Kington City 4 – 0
Moreland City – Northcote City 0 – 1
North Sunshine Eagles – Caroline Springs George Cross 3 – 0
Melbourne City NPL – Bentleigh Greens 1 – 0
VPL1 – Standings
1. Western Utd 2 6
2. Northcote 2 6
3. Brunswick City 2 4
4. Manningham 2 4
5. Melb City 2 4
6. Bulleen Lions 2 3
7. North Sunshine 2 3
8. Bentl Greens 2 3
9. Carol Springs 2 3
10. Kingston 2 3
11. Melbourne SRBIJA 2 1
12. Eastern Lions 2 0
13. Moreland 2 0
14. Langwarrin 2 0
