The big derby of the fourth round of the championship between Heidelberg United and Preston Lions had everything except a winner. Packed stands, a missed penalty, two cracking goals, endless battles all over the pitch, and a burning desire to win. The final 1 – 1 left a bitter taste in the mouths of United’s lads, who truly gave it their all to snatch those three points.
The two teams, facing off again in the league after a whole sixteen years, played some beautiful football, showed a willingness to create dangerous chances, showcasing the tactical nous they’ve been working on in training. The home side was on top in the first half and, if they’d been a bit sharper in the final third, they could have taken the lead. The biggest chance of the first half, though, fell to the Lions. The visitors won a questionable penalty in the 22nd minute, but Alexandros keeper kept a clean sheet, giving the yellow and black faithful a massive reason to celebrate.
The second half kicked off with a big chance for the visitors and a screamer for United. The scorer was the team’s left-back, Jamal Ali. The visitors weren’t about to roll over, though. They fought tooth and nail and eventually levelled the score thanks to a goal from Luc Jeggo. 1 – 1 was the final score in a truly epic match, full of history, passion, and pure football magic.
Oakleigh Cannons are really starting to hit their straps. The champions hosted Melbourne Knights in a match that looked like a derby on paper, but the Greek Australian side controlled the tempo from the first whistle.
The star of the show was the Cannons’ leader, the magnificent Joe Guest. Oakleigh’s number ten bagged a brace, showing he’s in top form and ready to lead his team’s charge for a second consecutive title. Guest’s trusted lieutenant and fellow countryman, Alex Salmon, was also on fire. The home side’s centre-forward made it 3 – 0 in stoppage time, putting the cherry on top of the cake and giving the fans plenty to smile about. This was a massive win for Oakleigh, who seem to have shaken off their sluggish start to the season against Avondale and Green Gully.
Port Melbourne finally tasted victory! The Sharks hosted Green Gully in a high-stakes clash. The visitors are a strong team, with quality players capable of causing damage to any opponent. But they couldn’t get the better of the Sharks. The home side came out firing, with a clear desire to win. The golden boot for the home side belonged to a Greek lad. Thomas Alisandratos was the hero, scoring the winning goal in the 75th minute with a stunning shot from outside the box that hit the post before nestling in the back of the net.
We were disappointed with the state of the pitch at the Sharks ground. The turf was in a shocking state, making life difficult for both sets of players. It would be good if the officials could put aside their petty politics and focus on improving their pitch. Its current state is not worthy of the club’s history.
VPL1
Pankyprios has hit its stride! George Katsakis’ squad notched their third straight win on Friday night, downing Melbourne Srbija at home. The Greens put on a dazzling display of football, bagging two goals in a decisive 2-1 victory. They’re looking like serious contenders this season, boasting the quality and experience to mount a promotion charge. Time will tell if they can go the distance.
Brunswick City pulled off a massive upset on Friday night. Leonidas travelled to Langwarrin, bagged a brace, and returned home with three points and dreams of a title push.
Kingston City had a rough night at the office. Clarinda couldn’t handle George Cross’s firepower, falling 3-1 on their home turf. The visitors dominated the match, leaving the Greek Australian side with no answers.
Northcote City salvaged a point in a 1-1 draw against Eastern Lions. The stalemate was a fair reflection of the match, with both sides evenly matched.
VPL2
A thrilling clash between Pascoe Vale and Pythagoras ended in a 2-2 draw. Both sides went all-out for the win, but had to settle for a point apiece. Box Hill put on a polished performance, showcasing their form and signalling their readiness to battle for every point.
NPL – Results
Heidelberg United – Preston Lions 1 – 1 (57′ Μ. Aidara – 80′ L. Jeggo)
Dandenong City – Hume City 1 – 3 (39′ G. Labadaridis – 68′ B. Kirdar, 70′ K. Athiou [o.g], 89′ M Domfeh)
Port Melbourne Sharks – Green Gully 1 – 0 (75′ T. Alisandratos)
Oakleigh Cannons – Melbourne Knights 3 – 0 (20′, 37′ J. Guest, 90+3′ A. Salmon)
Avondale – Melbourne Victory NPL 4 – 1 (19′ G. Ott, 27′ K. Trajevski, 71′ K. Kur, 84′ M. Aguek – 10′ J. Machar Reec)
Altona Magic – Dandenong Thunder 0 – 1 (55′ W. Dekker)
South Melbourne – St Albans Saints (This game will be played on Monday night)
NPL – Standings
1. Avondale 4 12
2. Preston Lions 4 8
3. Oakleigh Cannons 4 7
4. South Melbourne 3 7
5. Hume City 4 7
6. Dand Thunder 4 7
7. Heidelberg Utd 4 7
8. Altona Magic 4 4
9. Dand City 4 3
10. Port Melb Sharks 4 3
11. Melb Knights 4 3
12. Green Gully 4 2
13. Mel Victory NPL 4 2
14. St. Albans 3 1
VPL1 – Results
Eastern Lions – Northcote City 1 – 1
Caroline Springs – Kingston City 3 – 1
Bentleigh Greens – Melbourne Srbija 2 – 1
Langwarrin – Brunswick City 1 – 2
Melbourne City NPL – Moreland City 1 – 1
Western United – Manningham United 5 – 0
Bulleen Lions – North Sunshine Eagles (This game will be played on Monday night)
VPL1 – Standings
1. Western Utd 4 10
2. Bentl Greens 4 9
3. Melb City 4 8
4. Brunswick City 4 8
5. Northcote 4 8
6. North Sunshine 3 6
7. Bulleen Lions 3 6
8. Carol Springs 4 6
9. Manningham 4 5
10. Kingston 4 4
11. Melbourne SRBIJA 4 2
12. Langwarrin 4 1
13. Eastern Lions 4 1
14. Moreland 4 0
