The NPL Victoria is hurtling towards a thrilling finale, with Heidelberg United firmly in the driver’s seat at the top of the table. John Anastasiadis’ side have been a class apart, playing a brand of football that’s both easy on the eye and ruthlessly effective. With 50 goals scored—third best in the league—and just 19 conceded, the best defensive record in the competition, the Bergers look odds-on to storm into the play-offs as ladder leaders. For context, second-placed Avondale have shipped six more goals than the yellow and black.
This Saturday, Olympic Village will be buzzing as it hosts one of Victoria’s most storied derbies – Heidelberg United versus South Melbourne. The Greek Australian clash is steeped in history, and while South Melbourne aren’t enjoying their finest season, sitting 10th with 26 points, this fixture’s significance remains undimmed. The hosts are gunning for a win to cement their spot at the summit, while South Melbourne will scrap for points to keep their faint top-six hopes alive. Kick-off is set for 6pm on Saturday 26 July—don’t miss it.
Over in Dandenong, reigning champions Oakleigh Cannons face a stern challenge at the Frank Holohan Soccer Complex. Dandenong City, under Greek-Australian gaffer Nick Tolios, are in red-hot form after nicking a draw against Avondale last week—a result that underlines their quality. City are chasing a play-off spot, and a win against the Cannons would be a massive step towards the top six. However, the shocking state of the pitch could be a leveller. The bone-dry surface doesn’t suit Oakleigh’s slick, ground-based style, so expect Chris Taylor’s men to go direct to bypass the bumpy terrain. Both sides have history and quality in spades, so here’s hoping the pitch doesn’t ruin what promises to be a cracking contest.
Port Melbourne Sharks face a daunting trip to Hume City. The Greek Australian outfit are staring down the barrel of relegation, with just 15 points from 22 matches. Last week’s limp display against Dandenong Thunder, where they managed only one shot on target in 90 minutes, sums up their struggles. Hume City, by contrast, are flying high in sixth, playing attractive football and fighting tooth and nail to stay in the play-off places. The Sharks need a miracle to avoid another defeat and keep their NPL survival hopes alive.
VPL1
Round 23 of VPL1 serves up two cracking Greek Australian derbies. On Friday night at 7.30pm, Pancyprios host Leonidas in a match that’s massive for both sides. The hosts are desperate to return to winning ways, either to overtake ladder leaders Melbourne City or at least stay within touching distance. Leonidas, meanwhile, will go all out to hold onto their top-six spot. Expect tempers to flare and tackles to fly in a fiery encounter.
An hour later, Northcote City’s Iraklis welcome Kingston City for another blue-and-white battle. Iraklis are still dreaming of a top-six finish, sitting just five points behind sixth-placed North Sunshine Eagles. A win against Clarinda could keep their play-off hopes alive. Kingston City, like Port Melbourne in NPL, are battling to avoid the drop. Mathematically, survival is still possible, but their spark has faded in recent weeks. Can they muster the fight to prove the doubters wrong and stay in VPL1?
VPL2
Box Hill United’s Pythagoras face a golden opportunity this weekend as they travel to Goulburn Valley Suns. A win would bring them within two points of the top six, reigniting their play-off push. But the Suns are no pushovers. Fresh off a 3-3 thriller against Geelong, they’ll be determined to defend their sixth spot. This one’s set to be a proper battle.
NPL – Fixtures
Friday 25 July
Green Gully – St Albans Saints, 7.30pm
Dandenong City – Oakleigh Cannons, 7.45pm
Preston Lions – Melbourne Victory, 8.30pm
Hume City – Port Melbourne Sharks, 8.30pm
Saturday 26 July
Altona Magic – Avondale, 3.15pm
Heidelberg United – South Melbourne, 4pm
Dandenong Thunder – Melbourne Knights, 7pm
NPL – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Heidelberg 22 54
2. Avondale 22 49
3. Dandenong Thunder 22 44
4. Oakleigh Cannons 22 42
5. Preston Lions 22 35
6. Hume City 22 31
7. Dandenong City 22 30
8. Green Gully 22 29
9. St Albans Saints 22 26
10. South Melbourne 22 26
11. Altona Magic 22 21
12. Melbourne Victory 22 15
13. Port Melbourne 22 15
14. Melbourne Knights 22 14
VPL1 – Fixtures
Friday 25 July
Bentleigh Greens – Brunswick City, 7.30pm
Moreland City – Bulleen Lions, 8.30pm
Northcote City – Kingston City, 8.30pm
Saturday 26 July
Melbourne City – Caroline Springs George Cross, 3pm
North Sunshine Eagles – Manningham United Blues, 3pm
Eastern Lions – Langwarrin, 6pm
Melbourne Srbija – Western United, 6.30pm
VPL1 – Standings
Team Matches Points
1. Melbourne City 22 48
2. Bentleigh 22 46
3. George Cross 22 45
4. Western United 22 39
5. Brunswick 22 35
6. North Sunshine 22 33
7. Bulleen Lions 22 33
8. Melbourne Srbija 22 30
9. Northcote 22 28
10. Langwarrin 22 26
11. Manningham 22 22
12. Eastern Lions 22 18
13. Kingston City 22 17
14. Moreland City 22 14
