Chris Taylor’s Cannons faced the ever worthy Bentleigh Greens on Friday night in the Community Shield final with the latter failing to rise up to the challenge that led to a heavy home defeat by 4 – 0.
The balmy weather, the time of the event and the thirst of the Greek community for the “king of sports”, football, resulted in the Kingston Heath stands being filled with countless fans cheering both teams. In spite of several absences (Iliopoulos Valentini, Lundy, Milinaric, Millar and Feely) the guests entered with steez, scoring the first goal in the 16th minute thanks to new addition, Alex Fiechtner.
The Queensland forward, showed off his goal-scoring skills which won him the golden boot last season solidifying his place at the forefront of the Cannons’ artillery.
Photo: Con Deves
Photo: Con Deves
Photo: Con Deves
Photo: Con Deves
Oakleigh continued to dominate the Greens even after the first goal with constant pressure, managing to double their lead before half-time thanks to a fine effort from Chris Lucas.
It didn’t take long for the third goal, with captain Joe Guest, one of the leading forces of Friday’s match hitting the back of the net.
The final goal by Alex Salmon sealed the score in the 65th minute sending the Oakleigh Cannons fans into a wave of excitement in the stands for an even more promising new NPL season.
Speaking to Neos Kosmos, Oakleigh Cannons chair Kostas Kavalakis, stressed the importance of “the long-awaited creation of a second national division”.
“If the state does not decide to financially assist the NPL clubs so that they can stand with dignity in the ‘arena’ of the A-League, then the whole project will collapse. The teams cannot cope with the level of income they have so far. The costs are terrifying and the only way to cope is with financial support from the state. If this doesn’t get sorted, I can assure you that nothing will happen.”
The countdown to the 2023 National Premier League Victoria is on, with the season kicking off on 16 February between South Melbourne and Moreland City at 7.30pm. The season is full of blockbuster matches, classic rivalries and promoted teams who will be out to test their mettle at a higher level.
