In the most critical moment of the season, Oakleigh Cannons delivered their worst performance of the year. Chris Taylor’s side took to the pitch at Jack Edwards Reserve looking flat and disjointed. It was as if they were playing a pre-season friendly in the middle of summer. On the other side? Eleven lions, hungry and ferocious. Passionate players, ready to give everything for the win and a spot in the semi-finals. In the end, they barely needed to break a sweat.
Preston Lions cruised to victory, bagging two goals in the first half through Gian Albano and Dom Folino, as if they were knocking them in during a training drill. For the remainder of the match, they watched as Oakleigh aimlessly passed the ball from one side of the pitch to the other. The home side showed flashes of fight, pulling one back in the 68th minute through Connor Hampson to make it 1-2, but at no point in the second half did they look like they had the mental fortitude to turn the tide.
The season is now over for the Greek Australian outfit, who will need a serious shake-up and a thorough rebuild if they hope to come back stronger and reclaim the title. Meanwhile, Preston Lions march on to face Heidelberg United, whose president, Steve Tsalikidis, was in the stands at Oakleigh, watching his side’s next opponents secure their place in the semi-finals.
Rumours are swirling that the upcoming clash will be held at Lakeside Stadium, home of South Melbourne Hellas, for security reasons. More details on this match will be available in Neos Kosmos on Thursday and Saturday.
Dandenong Thunder – Dandenong City
Dandenong City, led by Greek Australian gaffer Nick Tolios, clinched a historic local derby win against Dandenong Thunder with a 1-0 scoreline, securing their place in the NPL semi-finals.
What a moment for Tolios’ squad! Dandenong City celebrated their first-ever victory over rivals Thunder, earning a maiden trip to the semi-finals of the competition. A remarkable achievement for the side affectionately dubbed ‘Hajduk’ by their loyal supporters.
The local derby between Thunder and City was a proper battle, full of raw intensity. Crunching tackles, a bit of footballing niggle, cards of every colour, and a cracking goal that ultimately decided the tie. The decisive moment came in the 26th minute when Jamie Latham unleashed a belting long-range strike to make it 1-0. The Welshman’s thunderous effort proved to be the fine margin in what was otherwise a tightly contested duel.
The match wasn’t one for the purists. Both sides seemed wary of taking too many risks, with most of the action confined to a scrappy midfield battle. Hardly surprising given the stakes of the quarter-final clash.
Now, Tolios’ men face a daunting trip to Avondale’s ground, where a spot in the grand final is up for grabs. City head into the semi-final as underdogs, with logic suggesting Avondale will have the edge, whether by a narrow margin or a comfortable win. But football and logic don’t always go hand in hand, and sometimes the wildest dreams take shape in the magical world of the beautiful game.
One thing’s for certain: Nikos Tolios and his players will keep dreaming big and leave everything on the pitch.
Oakleigh Cannons – Preston Lions 1 – 2 (68′ C. Hampson – 17′ G. Albano, 29′ D. Folino)
Dandenong Thunder – Dandenong City 0 – 1 (26′ J. Latham)
NPL Semi-Final Fixtures
Sunday 7, September
Avondale – Dandenong City 13:00
Heidelberg United – Preston Lions 13:00
