The NPL takes a pause this week, with just one fixture on the cards – a rescheduled clash between Melbourne Knights and reigning champions Oakleigh Cannons, postponed earlier due to an unplayable pitch at the Knights’ ground. The match kicks off on Friday at 7.30pm.
NPL
Oakleigh Cannons, sitting fourth with 38 points, are gunning for a win that would see them leapfrog Dandenong Thunder into third, just seven points shy of second placed Avondale. However, this won’t be a walk in the park. The Knights, rooted to the bottom of the table with 13 points, are scrapping for survival. A loss at home could be a death knell for their hopes of staying in the NPL. Oakleigh will need to bring their A-game, discipline, focus, and fire in the belly, to leave with the three points.
VPL1
The VPL1 schedule is equally sparse, with just one match to keep an eye on. Northcote City’s Iraklis, who on Tuesday (8 July) announced the departure of coaches Zelijko Kuzman and Steve Bebic, with Jeff Olver stepping in, face a daunting trip to Melbourne City on Saturday at 3pm. Iraklis have one goal in mind. sneaking into the top six. It’s a tall order, especially against a formidable Melbourne City side. This match will demand a herculean effort from the Greek Australian outfit, who must show quality, grit, and passion to nick a result and keep their play-off dreams alive.
VPL2
VPL2 charges forward with a full round of action next week. Box Hill United’s Pythagoras face a massive test on Friday 18 July as they host Essendon Royals in a clash that could define their season. Sitting eighth with 27 points, Pythagoras are just four points behind the sixth placed Royals. A win would be a massive shot in the arm for the Greek Australian side, reigniting their push for a top six finish. They’ve got the quality to get it done, but this match will hinge on passion and intensity on the pitch. With the season at a stage where easy games are few and far between, Pythagoras must prove what they’re made of.
NPL – Fixtures
Friday 11 July
Melbourne Knights – Oakleigh Cannons, 7.30pm
NPL – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Heidelberg 21 51
2. Avondale 21 48
3. Dandenong Thunder 21 41
4. Oakleigh Cannons 20 38
5. Preston Lions 21 32
6. Hume City 21 31
7. Dandenong City 21 29
8. Green Gully 21 29
9. St Albans Saints 21 23
10. South Melbourne 21 23
11. Altona Magic 21 21
12. Melbourne Victory 21 15
13. Port Melbourne 21 15
14. Melbourne Knights 20 13
VPL1 – Fixtures
Saturday 12 July
Melbourne City – Northcote City, 3pm
VPL1 – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Bentleigh 21 45
2. Melbourne City 20 42
3. George Cross 21 42
4. Western United 20 35
5. Brunswick 21 32
6. North Sunshine 21 33
7. Bulleen Lions 20 30
8. Northcote 20 28
9. Melbourne Srbija 21 27
10. Langwarrin 21 26
11. Manningham 21 22
12. Eastern Lions 21 17
13. Kingston City 21 16
14. Moreland City 21 14
