Port Melbourne and Oakleigh fighting for second in action-packed final round

19 August 2022 12:51pm

The race for second and the top six all comes to a head this weekend in the final matchday of the regular season, with Oakleigh hoping for a stumble from Port Melbourne to steal back second place.

All matches will be played simultaneously on Sunday afternoon, making for a very tense 26th round of the Victorian NPL with plenty on the line for most sides.

The Sharks face Melbourne Knights in the 26th round of the Victorian NPL and they will be aiming to solidify their place in the top two and advance automatically into the second week of the finals series.

Oakleigh hosts Hume City and they must make light work of them in order to have any shot of finishing second and gaining direct passage to the semi-finals as well as an extra week’s rest.

Bentleigh travels to play Dandenong City with only three points on their mind, a result which will be sufficient to book their place in the play-offs.

Heidelberg United challenges the wooden spooners, Eastern Lions, away as they look to steal a spot in the finals at the expense of either Bentleigh or Avondale.

South Melbourne takes on Avondale away and the premiers could potentially bring an end to their opponents’ campaign, paving the way for the Greens and “Megas” to finish in the top six.

From the Oakleigh vs Brisbane match. Photos: Con Deves

From the Oakleigh vs Brisbane match. Photos: Con Deves

From the Oakleigh vs Brisbane match. Photos: Con Deves

NSW

Sydney Olympic is preparing for a visit from Blacktown City in the preliminary final on Sunday afternoon, with the winner moving on to face Manly United in the Championship Final.

The Blues will be lifted by their recent success over Blacktown only three weeks earlier which saw Olympic steal the premiership from the very same opposition.

In Northern NSW, Newcastle Olympic battles league leaders Maitland at home in the 22nd round on Sunday afternoon as they continue their surge for a top five placement.

QLD

Olympic FC hosts Sunshine Coast Wanderers in the 22nd round on Saturday night and they will be desperate for three points after going four straight matches winless.

WA

Floreat Athena contests with premiership rivals Stirling in a huge 21st round Saturday evening home fixture, with a win for the competition leaders enough to eliminate the visitors from the title race.

ACT

Canberra Olympic competes at home with Belconnen United in the 18th round on Saturday afternoon as they look to secure their third successive victory.

TAS

Olympia Warriors goes away to play bottom-placed Riverside Olympic in the 18th round on Saturday afternoon in a golden opportunity to bag their third win of the campaign.