It was a one-sided affair at the top of the NPL Victoria table as reigning champions Oakleigh Cannons dismantled newcomers Preston Lions.
Chris Taylor’s lads hit the ground running, seizing control from the first whistle and putting four cracking goals past their opponents in the opening 20 minutes. The result was a statement of intent, marking a return to form at a pivotal moment in the season.
The hosts were relentless. Matthew Dench opened the scoring in the 5th minute, setting the tone with a clinical finish. Two minutes later, Adem Duratovic doubled the lead, and from there, the brilliant Asad Kasumovic took centre stage. The right winger was in scintillating form, bagging a brace in the 10th and 19th minutes to make it 4-0. His performance put the game beyond doubt, securing a massive three points for the Greek Australian outfit.
The win was a huge boost for Oakleigh, opening up a seven point buffer over fifth placed Hume City. With their sights set on back to back titles, the Cannons can now focus on maintaining their title charge.
South Melbourne’s mighty Hellas returned to winning ways on Friday night, hosting Hume City in a clash that lifted spirits across the historic club. The Greek Australian side took down one of the division’s top teams, reigniting their campaign.
Hellas broke the deadlock in the 38th minute through their new Japanese striker, Ren Nagamatsu, who announced himself in style with a crucial goal. The hosts tightened up defensively, holding firm until Hume City’s Birkan Kirdar equalised in the 82nd minute. Just when it seemed the match was headed for a draw, Hellas’ talismanic 29 year old Argentine, Nahuel Bonada, stepped up. His 84th minute strike sealed a golden three points that could prove vital in the final reckoning.
The Great Alexander, Heidelberg United, stumbled against Dandenong City but clung to their place at the summit. John Anastasiadis’ men welcomed Nick Tolios’ side with designs on another victory to solidify their lead. However, they were forced to settle for a point after a hard fought 2-2 draw.
Heidelberg’s star man, Bul Juach, shone once again. The league’s top scorer with 16 goals added two more to his tally, stealing the spotlight as he dragged his side forward. But Dandenong City proved a tough nut to crack. Goals from Kenny Athiu and Yasin Mustafa ensured the visitors left Heidelberg with a share of the spoils, keeping them within touching distance of the top six.
Port Melbourne’s Nea Hellas are clinging to survival by their fingertips. The Sharks hosted St Albans Saints on Friday night in a match of massive importance. Sadly for the home side, they came away empty handed. The visitors were sharper on the pitch, scoring twice in the first half through Joseph Colina and Joshua Divin to secure a vital three points.
The defeat leaves Port Melbourne last on the table with just 15 points. The Greek Australian side’s chances of staying in the NPL are fading fast, only a miracle can keep them up next season.
VPL1
Pancyprios pulled off a massive away win on Saturday afternoon, edging out George Cross 1-0. George Katsakis’ greens showed grit, desire, and quality to keep their promotion hopes alive. Ayden von Essen’s 19th-minute strike proved the difference, a potentially priceless goal in their push for NPL promotion.
Northcote City’s Iraklis couldn’t match Langwarrin’s superiority, slumping to a heavy 5-2 defeat away from home. The loss saw the Greek Australian side slide to eighth, two points shy of the coveted top six.
VPL2
Box Hill United’s Pythagoras climbed to eighth in the standings after a 2-1 away win over Geelong. The Greek Australian side’s victory was a huge result, leaving them just four points off the top six with six rounds remaining in the regular season.
NPL – Results
Green Gully – Altona Magic 2 – 3 (11′ R. Inman, 30′ J. Hope – 24′ J. Hope [A], 55′ A. Frangia, 90+7′ A. Gust)
South Melbourne – Hume City 2 – 1 (38′ N. Ren, 84′ N. Bonada – 82′ B. Kirdar)
Heidelberg United – Dandenong City 2 – 2
(33′, 60′ B. Juach – 52′ K. Athiu, 78′ Y. Mustafa)
Port Melbourne Sharks – St Albans Saints 0 – 2 (28′ J. Colina, 30′ J. Divin)
Oakleigh Cannons – Preston Lions 4 – 0
(5′ M. Dench, 7′ A. Duratovic, 10′, 19′ A. Kasumovic)
Avondale – Dandenong Thunder 1 – 1 (37′ L. Tevere – 64′ Y. Uchida)
Melbourne Victory – Melbourne Knights (To be played Monday evening, 30/6)
NPL – Standings
Team MP Pts
1. Heidelberg 20 48
2. Avondale 20 45
3. Dandenong Thunder 20 40
4. Oakleigh Cannons 19 37
5. Hume City 20 31
6. Preston Lions 20 29
7. Dandenong City 20 28
8. Green Gully 20 26
9. South Melbourne 20 22
10. Altona Magic 20 21
11. St Albans Saints 20 20
12. Melbourne Victory 19 15
13. Port Melbourne 20 15
14. Melbourne Knights 18 10
VPL1 – Results
Langwarrin – Northcote City 5 – 2
North Sunshine Eagles – Eastern Lions 5 – 1
Caroline Springs George Cross – Bentleigh Greens 0 – 1
Melbourne Srbija – Melbourne City 1 – 1
Bulleen Lions – Manningham United Blues 3 – 0
Western United – Moreland City 1 – 2
Kingston City – Brunswick City Knights (To be played Monday evening, 30/6)
VPL1 – Standings
Team MP Pts
1. Melbourne City 19 42
2. Bentleigh 20 42
3. George Cross 20 39
4. Western United 19 32
5. Brunswick 19 31
6. North Sunshine 20 30
7. Bulleen Lions 19 30
8. Northcote 19 28
9. Melbourne Srbija 20 24
10. Langwarrin 20 23
11. Manningham 20 22
12. Eastern Lions 20 17
13. Moreland City 20 14
14. Kingston City 19 12
