This weekend, the NPL championship’s thrilling “marathon” continues with matches that are sure to capture the attention of football fans around the nation. Despite thousands of residents celebrating Catholic Easter, the action won’t stop. The 8th matchday’s highlight is the “civil” battle between Cannons and Pancyprios and the high-stakes away game for Hellas against Hume City. Heidelberg United has the chance to climb the table even higher as they welcome Altona Magic, while the Port Melbourne Sharks face the ever-fighting St Albans.
The Cannons are in for a tough match against the Bentleigh Greens this weekend, despite their superior position on the scoreboard. After a long drought, the Greens finally tasted victory last week against St Albans, and the arrival of Riccardo Marchioli has seemingly revitalized the “Cypriots,” who displayed a much-improved team in their last match. Chris Taylor and his players will have their work cut out for them, as the Greens will be looking to keep their momentum going and prove that they are a force to be reckoned with!
South Melbourne is facing Hume City this weekend. Esteban Quintas’ team is in an incredibly upbeat and competitive state of mind, ready to take on any challenge that comes their way. Their big win against the Cannons last week has boosted the club’s confidence and now all their attention is on the Avondale Italians, who currently hold first place and do not seem willing to let it go.
Heidelberg will be hosting Altona Magic on Sunday (9/4) and with a win, they could even reach fifth place in the standings. Coach Katsakis’ squad is getting stronger week by week and they’re ready to take on this challenge with an aggressive attitude in order to secure the all-important three points. Will they get the victory they’re hoping for?
The Croats of St Albans will be welcomed by Nea Hellas on Saturday afternoon (08.04). The Sharks are looking to bounce back from their draw against Alexandros and return to the upper part of the table. Manager Adam Piddick was clearly disappointed with the two points dropped in the previous matchday, and he’ll be determined to ensure his team’s defensive stability this week. Can the Sharks claim the victory they need? Tune in on Saturday to find out.
This weekend, there is a Greek Civil War in the NPL2 Championship. On Saturday afternoon, Brunswick City will welcome Northcote City in a derby that has captivated audiences for over 50 years. On Friday night (07.04), Kingston City will also face a difficult task as they compete against the second-placed Pascoe Vale.
Box Hill United are on a mission this weekend, as they look to secure their first win in the NPL3 league. But they’ll have to be at their best, as they face a tough test against the third-ranked team, Geelong, on Saturday afternoon.
This Saturday at 3 o’clock, Aris will host the “Serbs” of Springvale White Eagles in a highly anticipated local derby for the State League Championship. Many football fans are expected to attend the match in Springvale.
This week, Sydney Olympic face a difficult task in the NPL championship in New South Wales. The “Greek” team will travel to Mt Druitt, known for its inhospitable and wild atmosphere, to take on the local Rangers. The Blues will be aiming to secure a win that will keep them in the top half of the table.
THE NPL PROGRAM
Friday 07/04
Green Gully – Moreland City 20:00
Saturday 08/04
Port Melbourne Sharks – St Albans Saints 17:30
Hume City – South Melbourne 18:30
Dandenong Thunder – Avondale 19:15
Sunday 09/04
Heidelberg United – Altona Magic 18:00
Monday 10/04
Melbourne Knights – North Geelong Warriors 16:00
Oakleigh Cannons – Bentleigh Greens 17:00
NPL – Ladder
1. Avondale 7 19
2. South Melbourne 7 18
3. Oakleigh Cannons 7 14
4. Green Gully 7 12
5. Melbourne Knights 7 11
6. Hume City 7 9
7. Port Melbourne 7 9
8. Heidelberg United 7 8
9. Altona Magic 7 8
10. Moreland City 7 8
11. Dandenong Thunder 7 7
12. St Albans Saints 7 7
13. Bentleigh Greens 7 3
14. North Geelong 7 3
THE NPL2 PROGRAM
Friday 07/04
Preston Lions – Brunswick Juventus 20:00
Pascoe Vale – Kingston City 20:15
Werribee City – Manningham United Blues 20:15
Saturday 08/04
Brunswick City – Northcote City 15:00
Dandenong City – Langwarrin 15:00
Eastern Lions – Bulleen Lions 15:00
Melbourne City (Y) – Western United (Y) 15:00
NPL2 – Ladder
1. Pascoe Vale 7 15
2. Western United (Y) 7 15
3. Kingston City 7 15
4. Preston Lions 7 14
5. Langwarrin 7 13
6. Northcote City 6 9
7. Eastern Lions 7 9
8. Manningham 7 8
9. Werribee 7 8
10. Dandenong 7 8
11. Brunswick Juventus 7 7
12. Brunswick City 7 7
13. Bulleen 7 6
14. Melbourne City (Y) 6 4
THE NPL3 PROGRAM
Friday 07/04
North Sunshine Eagles – Boroondara Eagles 20:30
Saturday 08/04
Ballarat City – Goulburn Valley Suns 15:00
Essendon Royals – Melbourne Victory (Y) 15:00
Doveton – Beaumaris 15:00
Box Hill United – Geelong 15:30
Caroline Springs George Cross – Nunawading 17:30
NPL3 – Ladder
1. Nunawading 3 9
2. Melbourne Victory (Y) 3 9
3. Geelong 3 7
4. Goulburn Suns 3 6
5. North Sunshine 3 6
6. Caroline Springs 3 6
7. Beaumaris 3 6
8. Boroondara 3 3
9. Essendon 3 1
10. Ballarat 3 0
11. Box Hill 3 0
12. Doveton 3 0
