Heidelberg United’s grip on the top spot tightened after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Melbourne Knights, with Antonis Lesiotis stealing the show. The classy attacking midfielder stepped up in the 57th minute, curling a free-kick past the Knights’ keeper Gabriel Matti that even Lionel Messi would’ve applauded. The strike sealed a crucial three points for John Anastasiadis’ side, keeping them at the summit of the table 14 rounds into the season.
The match was a rollercoaster. Melbourne Knights drew first blood in the 12th minute through a Ciaran Bramwell penalty, but Heidelberg’s Japanese dynamo Asahi Yokokawa levelled the score in the 31st minute with a clever long-range strike. Lesiotis’ moment of magic ultimately proved the difference, showcasing the composure and quality that have defined Heidelberg’s title charge. With each passing week, the yellow-and-blacks exude confidence, stability, and ruthlessness—hallmarks of a side hell-bent on lifting the trophy.
Oakleigh Cannons, the reigning champions, suffered a shock 3–0 defeat to Avondale. Despite dominating possession and playing tidy football, Chris Taylor’s men were undone by a combination of defensive errors and Avondale’s clinical finishing. The first goal came in the 15th minute when Manyluak Aguek capitalised on a blunder in the Greek-Australian backline, his long-range effort deflecting off a defender before looping over keeper Nick Feely. Aguek struck again in the 52nd minute after another Cannons mistake, and the final nail in the coffin came in the 86th minute when a clearance attempt ricocheted off Feely into his own net. The loss leaves Oakleigh in fourth, six points adrift of Heidelberg.
Port Melbourne Sharks claimed bragging rights in a fiery derby, defeating South Melbourne 2–0 at Lakeside Stadium. The Sharks, dubbed the “New Hellas” by their faithful, were a cut above, with Liston Diaz netting two cracking goals to pile more misery on a struggling South Melbourne side.
Port Melbourne Sharks were relentless from the first whistle, showing grit and determination to outclass their rivals. Liston Diaz’s brace lit up the match, plunging South Melbourne deeper into a spiral of self-doubt and negativity. The 2–0 scoreline was a fair reflection of the gulf between the two sides on the day.
New Sharks gaffer Maxim Gaydovskiy couldn’t have scripted a better debut. The new Nea Hellaw boss brought a fresh spark to the Port, instilling optimism and excitement among the club’s loyal supporters. His side played with purpose, looking every bit a team ready to fight tooth and nail to secure their NPL status for next season.
South Melbourne, by contrast, are in free fall. The Blues were toothless in response to Port Melbourne’s goals, with Sunday’s limp display raising serious questions about their resolve. A 180-degree turnaround is needed pronto if the storied club is to avoid a relegation scrap. Time is running out, and doubts linger over whether South Melbourne have the mental fortitude or on-field quality to claw their way to safety. Only time will tell.
VPL1
Pancyprios continued their resurgence under George Katsakis, clinching a thrilling 3–2 away win against bottom-placed Moreland City. The greens produced moments of scintillating football, combining flair with lethal finishing to secure three points that keep them second in the VPL1 standings, trailing only Melbourne City. The match was a proper spectacle, serving up 90 minutes of pure footballing drama.
Leonidas also pulled off a massive coup, nicking a 1–0 victory away at Eastern Lions. Despite being outplayed for the opening half-hour, the visitors grew into the game and snatched a dramatic winner in the 87th minute—a goal that could prove pivotal in the race for promotion.
Iraklis, however, came up short against North Sunshine Eagles, falling 2–0 in a tough away clash. The Northcote-based side battled hard but couldn’t find a way through, leaving Melbourne’s west empty-handed.
Clarinda’s struggles continued with a 3–2 defeat to Melbourne Srbija. The side led by Tagkalakis and Tsolakis now sit 12th, just two points above Moreland City. The red-and-whites need to turn their form around pronto to avoid being dragged into a relegation scrap.
VPL2
Box Hill United’s woes deepened with a 3–2 loss to Eltham Redbacks. Pythagoras are now languishing in 12th, only four points clear of the drop zone. The Greek Australian outfit are in dire need of a spark to avoid sinking further into the mire.
NPL – Results
Green Gully – Dandenong Thunder 3–1 (79′ D. Wynne, 85′ M. Crooks, 90+2′ E. Kifle – 57′ H. Jalloh)
Heidelberg United – Melbourne Knights 2–1 (31′ A. Yokokawa, 57′ A. Lesiotis – 12′ C. Bramwell [p])
Hume City – Preston Lions 0–1 (20′ J. Romero)
Avondale – Oakleigh Cannons 3–0 (15′, 52′ M. Aguek, 86′ N. Feely [og])
Altona Magic – Melbourne Victory 1–0 (16′ H. Kawaguchi)
St Albans Saints – Dandenong City 1 – 3 (13′ M. Platt – 38′ M. Campbell [OG], 72′ D. Cuba, 90+6′ V. Cesnik)
South Melbourne – Port Melbourne Sharks 0 – 2 (3′, 22′ L. Diaz)
NPL – Standings
1. Heidelberg 14 34
2. Avondale 14 33
3. Dandenong Thunder 14 29
4. Oakleigh Cannons 14 28
5. Preston Lions 14 24
6. Hume City 14 23
7. Dandenong City 14 22
8. Green Gully 14 21
9. Altona Magic 14 14
10. Melbourne Victory 14 12
11. St Albans Saints 14 11
12. Port Melbourne Sharks 14 10
13. South Melbourne 14 9
14. Melbourne Knights 14 9
VPL1 – Results
Moreland City – Bentleigh Greens 2 – 3
North Sunshine Eagles – Northcote City 2 – 0
Caroline Springs George Cross – Langwarrin 5 – 1
Eastern Lions – Brunswick City 0 – 1
Melbourne Srbija – Kingston City 3 – 2
Melbourne City – Manningham United Blues 1 – 1
VPL1 – Standings
1. Melbourne City 14 34
2. Bentleigh 14 31
3. George Cross 14 27
4. Brunswick 14 25
5. Bulleen Lions 13 23
6. Northcote 14 22
7. Western United 13 21
8. North Sunshine 14 18
9. Manningham 14 18
10. Eastern Lions 14 14
11. Melbourne Srbija 14 11
12. Kingston City 14 10
13. Langwarrin 14 10
14. Moreland City 14 8
