One of the most exciting and unpredictable leagues in recent years continues this week with matches for all tastes.
Bentleigh Greens – Heidelberg United
The 19th matchday is sure to be an exciting one, as the highly anticipated parish derby between Bentleigh Greens and Heidelberg United takes center stage.
Both clubs may not be having the best season, but that doesn’t mean the rivalry between them has lost any of its intensity. Bentleigh Greens will be looking to build on their impressive one-point draw against the Thunder, while Heidelberg United will be hoping to find their rhythm after their previous match against South Melbourne was postponed.
Hume City – Oakleigh Cannons
A dangerous away missions awaits Oakleigh Cannons this week, as they attempt to continue their steady climb to the top. Everything indicates that the Cannons have all the necessary components to lift the championship cup for the second season in a row, with their foot on the gas and morale at its peak.
Expecting either an easy or difficult victory, the Greek team will face off against Hume’s home this week, who experienced an unexpected home defeat by North Geelong Warriors, last week.
Port Melbourne – Dandenong Thunder
This week, Port Melbourne will attempt to move even closer to the top four of the league as they host the Thunder from Dandenong.
Coming off a huge away win against the Melbourne Knights, the Greek side are sure to give their all to remain within striking distance of the fourth-placed Croatians, just four points ahead of the Sharks.
South Melbourne – St Albans Saints
Last Tuesday (20/06), South Melbourne dominated St Albans in a highly competitive match. Esteban Quintas’ team opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a successful penalty kick by Max Mikkola. Elmazi then made it 2-0 in the 29th minute, followed by goals from Jack Painter-Andrews in the 37th minute and Patrick Langlois in the 40th minute.
This victory kept South Melbourne at the top of the standings, tied with Avondale, who have been performing exceptionally this year.
NPL2
This week’s NPL2 schedule promises some extremely interesting games. Kingston City, who won last Monday (19/06) at Bulleen’s home, have climbed to the top of the standings and will be travelling away to Eastern Lions this weekend to secure the three points that will keep them at the top of the table. Northcote will host Bulleen Lions this weekend, while Greek City and Italian Juventus will face off in a local Brunswick derby.
NPL3
This week, Box Hill United will try to climb even higher in the table. After their win against Nunawading, Pythagoras are in high spirits and will be determined to get the three points that will give them hope for the rest of the season.
The State Leagues
Yarraville will host the Whittlesea Ranges this Friday for the North West group of State League 1. Currently in 8th place in the standings table, the Greek club hopes to secure another home win and move up to 6th place, overtaking Strathmore and Brimbank Stallions.
In the Southeast group of the same league, Aris from Springvale will host Malvern in a blue and white derby. With just one point separating them, this match is sure to take the breath away from the fans of the two “Greek” clubs.
NPL – Round 19
Friday 23/06
Green Gully v Avondale 20:00
Saturday 24/06
North Geelong Warriors – Moreland 15:00
Bentleigh Greens – Heidelberg United 15:00
Port Melbourne Sharks – Dandenong Thunder 17:30
Altona Magic – Melbourne Knights 18:15
Hume City – Oakleigh Cannons 20:30
NPL – Table
1. Avondale 18 49
2. South Melbourne 18 49
3. Oakleigh Cannons 18 42
4. Melbourne Knights 18 34
5. Port Melbourne 18 30
6. Green Gully 18 27
7. Dandenong Thunder 18 23
8. Altona Magic 18 23
9. Heidelberg United 17 19
10. Hume City 18 17
11. St Albans Saints 19 16
12. Moreland City 18 12
13. Bentleigh Greens 18 10
14. North Geelong 18 10
NPL2 – Round 19
Friday 23/06
Brunswick Juventus – Brunswick City 20:30
Northcote City – Bulleen Lions 20:30
Melbourne City (Y) – Preston Lions 20:30
Saturday 24/06
Eastern Lions – Kingston City 15:00
Langwarrin v Pascoe Vale 15:00
Manningham United Blues – Dandenong City 15:00
Western United (Y) – Werribee City 17:00
NPL2 – Table
1. Kingston City 18 33
2. Preston Lions 18 32
3. Western United (Y) 18 31
4. Dandenong 18 29
5. Eastern Lions 18 29
6. Manningham 18 27
7. Werribee 18 26
8. Melbourne City (Y) 18 25
9. Langwarrin 18 25
10. Northcote City 18 23
11. Brunswick City 18 23
12. Pascoe Vale 18 20
13. Bulleen 18 19
14. Brunswick Juventus 18 18
NPL3 – Round 15
Saturday 24/06
Beaumaris –Doveton 15:00
Goulburn Valley Suns -Ballarat City 15:00
Nunawading -Caroline Springs George Cross 15:00
Boroondara Carey Eagles -North Sunshine Eagles 15:00
Geelong v Box Hill United 18:00
Sunday 25/06
Melbourne Victory (Y) – Essendon Royals 15:00
NPL3 – Table
1. Melbourne Victory (Y) 14 34
2. Caroline Springs 14 28
3. Nunawading 14 25
4. Goulburn Suns 14 25
5. North Sunshine 14 22
6. Doveton 14 20
7. Boroondara 14 20
8. Box Hill 14 17
9. Essendon 14 16
10. Beaumaris 14 15
11. Geelong 14 15
12. Ballarat 14 2
