Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh ushered in the new NPL season on Thursday night with a scoreless draw between Oakleigh Canons and the Port Melbourne Sharks.
With the long pre-season of friendlies behind them, a healthy crowd, including a smattering of coaches from other NPL teams, turned out in anticipation of seeing some meaningful action. Unfortunately for fans, there was little goal mouth action on show in the first half, as the visitors sat back. The best chance of the half fell to Cannon’s Goran Zoric, who fired his shot just wide of the upright.
The Sharks were the more threatening side in the second half, particularly with the introduction of young winger Yalaz, whose direct running troubled the Cannons’ defence. Numerous good chances fell to Stirton and Ross Honos (with Honos hitting the upright), but they were unable to score what, on the balance of play in the second half, would have been a deserved winner.
After the match Port coach Eric Vassiliadis said that his team was disappointed not to get the win but that with players such as Zahra, Viola, Kelly, Karvelis and Alec Godwin to come back in, he is pleased with the depth of his squad.
“They’re five boys who when they’re fit, will give us more options … making finals is the bare minimum and from there on there are no limits.”
Last night, champion Bentleigh Greens began its title defence by welcoming newly-promoted FC Bulleen Lions back to the top tier, at Kingston Heath.
Today, Alex Gymnopoulos’ Northcote City takes on another newly-promoted side in Melbourne Victory Youth at Epping Stadium.
Sunday sees the traditional blockbuster derby between South Melbourne and Heidelberg United, which kicks off at 6.00 pm at Lakeside.
NPL 2 East action also kicks off this weekend, with George Karkaletsis’ Brunswick City entertaining the hard working Eastern Lions today.
The finale for the opening round action takes place on Monday night at the Grange, and presents fans with a chance to watch another Greek derby involving two teams aiming for promotion this season – Kingston City and Box Hill United.
There was a flurry of late transfer activity mid-week as NPL clubs scurried to beat the transfer deadline.
The following signings have been lodged at the FFV:
South Melbourne: Philzgerald Mbaka from Spanish club Getafe, Matt Millar from Melbourne City
Port Melbourne Sharks: Jacob Eliopoulos from Northcote City
Northcote City: Evan Batsis, Julius Davies, Calvin Mbarga (re-joining from India)
Oakleigh Cannons: Ali Hameed – from South Springvale
Bentleigh Greens: Daniel Dixon, from WA club Bayswater City, Miloss Ridesic leaves
Kingston City: keeper Sermin Sadikowski, Konstantinos Droutsas from Bentleigh U20s