The NPL championship never lets you catch your breath. Coaches come and go, teams rise and fall on the ladder like they’re on an elevator, and the big matches just keep coming.
All eyes are naturally on Hellas right now. As we first reported here, the Greek Australian team is moving forward without their coach, Esteban Quintas. Rumours about his replacement are swirling, with our sources indicating two main candidates: Goran Lozanovski and Fausto De Amici. Stay tuned to Neos Kosmos to find out who will ultimately take over from the Argentine tactician.
But Hellas has no time to waste. Their on-field commitments can’t wait. In the next round, scheduled for the weekend after Easter, South Melbourne will travel to Green Gully Reserve to face the local side. We don’t yet know who’ll be on the “blue-and-white” bench, but what we do know is that the Greek Australian team has no more room for dropped points. From now on, every match will be treated like a final. Collecting points is non-negotiable, it’s the only way for this historic club to break out of the slump they’ve found themselves in.
A dangerous mission also awaits the reigning champions, the Cannons. Chris Taylor’s team, now in top form, will head to Altona to take on the local Magic. The hosts sit second-last on the table, but that shouldn’t lull Taylor’s players into complacency. An early goal would be a dream for the visitors, it would settle their nerves, erase any pressure, and likely lead Oakleigh to yet another triumph. Magic is a team divided: their defence is tight and gritty, but their attack is practically invisible, scoring just four goals in ten rounds while conceding thirteen. Against the Cannons, they’ll sit deep, block the lanes, and fight for a point. Let’s see if Joe Guest and his crew can find a way to Magic’s goal—and the three points that would keep them within touching distance of league leaders Avondale.
The table-topping Italian Australians of Avondale will face Alexandros in Round 11. The “yellow-and-blacks” are eagerly awaiting this blockbuster clash.
John Anastasiadis’ team is flying high, in sensational form, making this match against the 2023 champions the perfect moment to shine. It’ll be a battle of proof, a game where Alexandros will show if they can truly fight for the top spot and the title. They were brilliant against Hellas, but Avondale is a different beast. With the best attack and defence in the league, blistering wingers, and a midfield that devours opponents, the Greek Australian side will need to hit peak performance to have any chance against Avondale.
The misery continues for Port Melbourne Sharks this week with a trip to Dandenong, where they’ll face a wounded City in a match of huge significance for the standings. The hosts are just a few points off the bottom, while the visitors are the bottom. The “Sharks” are desperate for points, they need them badly. They must escape the last spot, and that climb needs to start now. If they wait any longer, it’ll be too late, and VPL1 will loom closer. This match promises to be fiery. Let’s hope the Greek Australian team can find the strength to secure a win, filling everyone in and around the club with the positive energy needed to fight the tough battle for survival.
VPL1
The Greek derbies in VPL1 just don’t stop. This time, we’re lucky to witness a clash steeped in history and footballing magic. An in form Iraklis will host a Leonidas side that’s also on a roll. The two rivals are neck and neck in the standings, both coming off big wins, which only adds more prestige to this derby. It’ll be a match decided by the efficiency of the two teams’ attacking lines. Chances will be created, the question is who, if anyone, will convert them into goals.
On Friday night, Pancyprios will host Manningham United Blues. The “greens” are looking to shake off the negativity from last week’s loss to Leonidas and stay as close to the top as possible.
A wounded Clarinda will travel to Moreland’s home ground. The “red-and-whites” are eager to end their recent mini-slump, and the match against City is the perfect opportunity. The hosts are struggling, with just five points from ten rounds. They concede goals by the bucketload and score at a trickle. A bit of focus and some basic attacking efficiency should be enough to guide Kingston City to victory.
VPL2
Next week, Pythagoras will travel to Epping to face Whittlesea United, a worthy opponent capable of troubling any team in the division. Box Hill will need to be serious and disciplined on the pitch if they want to secure another win to keep them in the top half of the table.
NPL – Schedule
Friday April 25
Altona Magic – Oakleigh Cannons 5.30pm
Green Gully – South Melbourne 7.30pm
Heidelberg United – Avondale 7.30pm
Dandenong City – Port Melbourne Sharks 7.45pm
Preston Lions – St Albans Saints 8.30pm
Hume City – Melbourne Knights 8.30pm
Monday April 28
Melbourne Victory – Dandenong Thunder 8pm
NPL – Standings
Team MP Pts
1. Avondale 10 27
2. Oakleigh Cannons 10 22
3. Heidelberg Utd 10 22
4. Dand Thunder 10 22
5. Preston Lions 9 14
6. Hume City 10 14
7. Mel Victory NPL 10 12
8. Green Gully 10 12
9. St. Albans 10 10
10. Dand City 10 10
11. South Melbourne 10 9
12. Melb Knights 10 9
13. Altona Magic 10 7
14. Port Melb Sharks 10 6
VPL1 – Schedule
Friday April 25
Bentleigh Greens – Manningham United Blues 6.15pm
Northcote City – Brunswick City 7.30pm
Moreland City – Kingston City 8.30pm
Saturday April 26
North Sunshine Eagles – Western United 3pm
Eastern Lions – Caroline Springs George Cross 6pm
Melbourne SRBIJA – Langwarrin 6:30pm
Sunday April 27
Melbourne City – Bulleen Lions 3pm
VPL1 – Standings
Team MP Pts
1. Melb City 10 26
2. Bentl Greens 10 21
3. Western Utd 10 20
4. Bulleen Lions 10 19
5. Brunswick City 10 19
6. Northcote 10 18
7. Carol Springs 10 15
8. Manningham 10 12
9. North Sunshine 10 11
10. Kingston 10 10
11. Eastern Lions 10 8
12. Langwarrin10 7
13. Melbourne SRBIJA 10 5
14. Moreland 9 5
