The NPL 1 division’s top two teams South Melbourne and Bentleigh Greens extended their lead over the chasing pack after both picked up narrow wins in last week’s Round 17. In contrast, third-placed Heidelberg United dropped points in a home draw against Green Gully whilst both Oakleigh Cannons and Port Melbourne Sharks suffered defeats.
After the draw against Green Gully, Heidelberg coach George Katsakis commented, “Look the way we set up our year was to make the finals. It was always to make the finals. If anything comes over and above that, then it’s a bonus. But whilst it’s still mathematically possible to win the Premier’s Plate, we won’t let go.”
This Sunday the Bergers visit Knights Stadium to take on relegation threatened Avondale FC. Heidelberg won the reverse fixture 3-0 earlier in the season but can expect a tougher challenge against a team desperate for points. The Bergers will be without the suspended Reuben Way.
Another relegation threatened team desperate for points is Northcote City which after last week’s away loss to Pascoe Vale will be hoping to get something out of its home match onSaturday against fourth-placed Green Gully.
In NPL 2 E, second placed Kingston City has opened up a huge 14-point gap over third-placed Dandenong City, whilst maintaining its close pursuit of league leader Dandenong Thunder.
Last week Kingston scored an impressive 2-0 away win over Moreland Zebras and this week it faces another tough challenge when it hosts NPL 2 W leader Whittlesea Ranges in a Saturday evening match.
Over in Brunswick, the poor condition of Brunswick City’s pitch at Dunstan Reserve has meant a venue change today for the visit of Ballarat Red Devils. The match will shift to Clifton Park, Victoria St Brunswick.
Meanwhile fourth-placed Box Hill United hosts Moreland City on Saturday.
A couple of Hellenic derbies feature in Round 13 State league action this weekend.
In SE 1, South Springvale hosts FC Clifton Hill. The Hillmen will be bristling with confidence after last week’s 6-1 win over league leader Mornington.
Christopher Davies helped himself to four goals during that win. South Springvale on the other hand, will be trying to bounce back from two consecutive heavy defeats on the road.
The other derby takes place in NW 1, where ninth placed Western Suburbs travels to 11th placed Altona East Phoenix with both teams coming off defeats last week.
In SE 2, second placed Caulfield United Cobras host third placed St Kilda FC in what could be a crucial game for both promotion contenders, whilst in State League 5 E, second placed Monash City should be able to keep its undefeated run intact when it hosts seventh-placed Glen Waverley SC.