A thunderous free kick from Saso Alexovski was the difference between the Bentleigh Greens and Heidelberg United on Friday night, with the visitors coming away from the rescheduled Round 8 clash with a one-nil win.

Alexovski’s strike 14 minutes from time was the only memorable moment in a dour contest that produced very few chances from either side. Not that Heidelberg will mind – the win moves them into the top five and adds to their amazing unbeaten streak that stretches back to May 2.

Heidelberg coach George Katsakis named an unchanged side from Monday’s win over the Oakleigh Cannons, while Sam De Vito, George Stavridis and Alex Rojas were brought into Goran Lozanovksi’s starting lineup.

After a cagey opening, George Slefendorfas had the first real shot in anger, firing wide from 20 yards after Alexovski played a nice ball over the top for his strike partner to run onto.

The visitors had an early penalty shout turned down after a corner kick was deflected over the bar, with the Heidelberg players claiming the ball came off a Bentleigh hand.

Minutes later, the Bergers had another corner after George Stavridis’ mistimed header went behind. After ricocheting off a few players, the ball fell for Antonio La Verde, but he poked it over the top from close range.

Bentleigh were struggling to break down the Heidelberg defence, and their usual dangermen Johnny Sapazovski and Damir Lokvancic were finding it tough against the defensive back three, which is part of a solid 3-4-1-2 formation the Bergers employ these days.

The first half turned into a real midfield battle, with Bentleigh’s Alex Rojas and Josip Kosic getting plenty of the ball.

Just before the half-time break, Con Anthopoulos made a desperate block to keep out a powerful Kosic strike to ensure both sides would go into the break on level terms.

Yanni Galanos replaced Hrvoje Matkovic a minute into the second half, after it was clear the midfielder would not be able to run off an injury he picked up earlier in the game.

Lokvancic registered Bentleigh’s first chance on goal, shooting from 25 yards after he tricked his way past Paul Miller. Unfortunately, the shot lacked any real conviction and was held comfortably by Steve Tilovski.

One battle that was bubbling nicely was between Sam De Vito and Osagie Ederaro. The Bentleigh left-back was kept busy by the explosive winger, who has been in great form in recent weeks.

Both managers made a number of changes in an attempt to turn the game.

Former Bentleigh player Denis Alilovic was one of the players introduced for Heidelberg and interestingly, if this match had taken place on its scheduled date back in April, Alilovic would have been lining up for the Greens.

But it wasn’t a substitute who would change the outlook of the contest.

With a quarter of an hour to play, Slefendorfas made a nice run down the right wing but was tripped by Anthopoulos on the edge of the area.

The defender was booked, and to make matters worse for Bentleigh, Saso Alexovski blasted the free kick from a difficult angle over the wall and past Damir Salcin to put the visitors in front. It was a memorable goal, and just rewards for the forward who had been working hard all game.

The goal was exactly what was needed, and suddenly more scoring opportunities were being created. Bentleigh, knowing a top five spot was on the line, surged forward at every opportunity while Heidelberg also did the same, clearly inspired by their goal.

Tensions couldn’t have been any higher than in the 90th minute, when Rojas floated a free kick into the Heidelberg area. De Vito rose highest and with his header destined for the net it looked like he would give the Greens a dramatic equaliser, but Tilovski brilliantly tipped the ball wide at full stretch.

Heidelberg coach George Katsakis was delighted with the 1-0 win, and with only sic matches to go, his side is now right in the hunt for the finals.

“It’s just been a phenomenal run, but to the credit of the boys their work rate has phenomenal, their endeavour to keep winning continues but more importantly we’re showing a lot of character.”

The match was decided by an outstanding free kick from Saso Alexovski, and Katsakis described the strike as “world class”.

“I haven’t seen anything like it at Premier League level for a long time,” he said.

The turning point in Heidelberg’s season came all the way back in Round 10, when the out-of-form side managed to rescue a point in stoppage time against Green Gully.

“We haven’t looked back ever since. We made ourselves a promise that we’ll go as long as we can without losing a game, and eight weeks later we’re doing it.”

Courtesy of the Football Federation Victoria