Bentleigh Greens will be competing in the second division of the NPL for the upcoming season. In the last game of the regular season, they faced Avondale away from home in a match of utmost importance for the visitors.
From the outset, the Greens demonstrated their desire for a positive result that would enable them to remain in the top division of the NPL. The Italians, however, displayed their capability to create dangers for any opponent when in the 27th minute they won a penalty, which was converted by Stefano Zinni, thus making the score 1-0.
The visitors increased their intensity, won several duels, and managed to equalize the score in the 49th minute through Stefan Brecevic.
With the tension high and the players invigorated, the Pancyprian footballers, now aware of the score of the match between Oakleigh and Moreland, frantically attempted to score a second goal in order to leave the field with the three points of victory.
Unfortunately, the goal was scored on the wrong side of the field and the scorer was Liston Diaz, thus sounding the death knell for the dreams of the Cypriots to remain in the top division of the NPL. The only hope now for the historic club is the immediate establishment of a second national division and of course the confirmation of their participation in it. However, this scenario currently appears more like a science fiction film.
North Geelong Warriors – South Melbourne
South Melbourne emerged victorious from their visit to the Warriors’ home with a score of 0-2.
The visiting players displayed determination and fought hard throughout the match, eventually earning the three points due to two goals scored in the final quarter of normal time.
Alun Webb scored the first goal for the “Greek” team in the 82nd minute, executing a diagonal shot outside the area and into the “Croatian” goal. Subsequently, Ali Sulemani scored in the 85th minute, resulting in a 0-2 scoreline and sending the home fans home with their heads down.
This has been a difficult year for the Warriors, who, together with Pancyprios, will be competing in the second division of the NPL next year.
On the other side, Esteban Quintas and his players enter the finals with the intention of winning the championship.
Oakleigh Cannons – Moreland City
The Cannons delivered a stunning performance as defending champions, and their rivals got a glimpse of what’s to come.
Chris Lucas opened the scoring with a brilliant goal in the 32nd minute, and then Wade Dekker doubled the lead through a precise penalty shot in the 47th minute.
Alexander Fiechtner then widened the gap to 3-0 in the 58th minute with an unstoppable strike. Lucas added his second of the match in the 67th minute, before Wellsmore capped off the Cannons’ impressive display with a perfectly placed shot in the corner of Alexandros Kontoleon’s goal.
This display of football, combined with the team’s championship-winning pedigree, ensures that the Cannons are firmly in contention for this season’s title.
Port Melbourne – Altona Magic
Prior to the commencement of the finals, the Port Melbourne Sharks made their presence felt by delivering a resounding 4-0 victory against the Magic.
Michael Eagar opened the scoring in the 16th minute, followed by a swift response from Chris Duggan three minutes later.
The 3-0 came in the 74th minute courtesy of a well-executed team effort and placement by Perkins, while the final 4-0 was scored by Cesnik in the 85th minute.
The hosts are entering the finals with a great deal of enthusiasm and the ambition of achieving something extraordinary.
Heidelberg United – Melbourne Knights
The battle of strong nerves between United and Knights saw the visitors prevail on the pitch, with Mitchell Hore opening the scoring in the 7th minute.
However, the ‘yellow and black’ responded almost immediately, with Kaine Sheppard receiving the ball near the penalty spot and, with a well-placed shot, easily beating the opposing goalkeeper in the 9th minute.
The towering striker then put his side ahead in the 43rd minute, just seconds before the end of the first half. Mohamed Aidara then struck from close range to make it 3-0, before the “Croats” managed to reduce the score to 3-2 with Sumaoro in the 94th minute of the match.
It is evident that the hosts could have achieved more this season if they had been more consistent in the early months of the campaign.
Nevertheless, they have an extremely valuable team which, with minimal additions, will be ready to compete in the next championship.
NPL2
Kingston City put up a valiant effort in the last game of the season despite, a 3-0 defeat against Melbourne City that left them in fourth place, two points behind privileged second place. Clarinda, though unable to make it to the NPL grand halls, still managed to put together an impressive squad that won the respect of both allies and opponents alike, and is sure to come back even stronger next season.
Northcote, falling in sixth place, also experienced a defeat in their last match. Heracles faced Manningham away in a match that had plenty of chances and constant hustle for every corner of the field. The hosts showed their mettle and earned three goals in their favor, to just one against.
Brunswick City will stay in the same division for the next year, having finished in twelfth place – just one point above the relegation zone – after drawing 2-2 with Preston Lions, earning a much needed golden point.
NPL3
Box Hill United experienced a tough home defeat on the twenty-second matchday of the NPL3 championship. The “Greek” team welcomed Boroondara, who scored twice and easily went through the house of Pythagoras.
The State Leagues
Yarraville were defeated 1-3 at home against Westgate. The performance of the “blue and white” club was not up to standard, resulting in them leaving their stadium three goals behind.
The fortunes of the two “Greek” teams in the Southeast group were more favourable.
Malvern and Mornington played a hard-fought match, with the final whistle finding the score at 1-1. This result kept the home side in fourth place in the standings, seven points off the top.
The match between Aris and Richmond ended in a draw. Both teams gave their all for the victory but in the end they were tied with a score of 2-2.
NPL – RESULTS
Avondale – Bentleigh Greens 2 – 1 (27′ S. Zinni [P], 71′ L. Diaz – 49′ S. Brecevic)
St Albans – Green Gully 0 – 2 (5′ N. Bonaba [P], 27′ J. Lampard)
North Geelong Warriors – South Melbourne 0 – 2 (82′ A. Webb, 85′ A. Sulemani)
Dandenong Thunder – Hume City 3 – 4 (57′ J. Gulevski, 61′ B. Lauton, 70′ J. Bingham, 90+2′ J. Bingham)
Port Melbourne Sharks – Altona Magic 4 – 0 (16′ M. Eagar, 19′ C. Duggan, 74′ J. Courtney – Perkins, 85′ VL Cesnik)
Oakleigh Cannons – Moreland 5 – 0 (32′ C. Lucas, 47′ W. Dekker [P], 58′ A. Fiechtner, 67′ C. Lucas, 88′ EG Wellsmore)
Heidelberg United – Melbourne Knights 3 – 2 (9′ K. Sheppard, 44′ K. Sheppard, 72′ M. Aidara – 7′ M. Hore, 90+4′ M. Sumaoro)
NPL – Table
1. Avondale 26 67
2. South Melbourne 26 62
3. Oakleigh Cannons 2 58
4. Melbourne Knights 26 47
5. Port Melbourne 26 45
6. Altona Magic 26 41
7. Green Gully 26 40
8. Dandenong Thunder 26 33
9. Heidelberg United 26 51
10. Hume City 26 28
11. St Albans Saints 26 22
12. Moreland City 26 16
13. Bentleigh Greens 26 15
14. North Geelong 26 14
NPL2 – RESULTS
Preston Lions -Brunswick City2 – 2
Pascoe Vale – Werribee 2 – 1
Dandenong City – Eastern Lions 2 – 0
Langwarrin – Brunswick Juventus 2 – 1
Melbourne City (Y) -Kingston City 3 – 0
Manningham United Blues – Northcote City 3 – 1
Bulleen Lions – Western United (Y) 3 – 1
NPL2 – Table
1. Dandenong 26 49
2. Manningham 26 44
3. Western United (Y) 26 43
4. Kingston City 26 41
5. Eastern Lions 26 39
6. Northcote City 26 37
7. Bulleen 26 36
8. Preston Lions 26 36
9. Melbourne City (Y) 26 36
10. Langwarrin 26 36
11. Werribee 26 31
12. Brunswick City 26 31
13. Brunswick Juventus 26 29
14. Pascoe Vale 26 26
NPL3 – Results
Caroline Springs George Cross – Essendon Royals 1 – 0
Melbourne Victory (Y) -Goulburn Valley Suns 1 – 2
North Sunshine Eagles – Ballarat City 7 – 5
Nunawading –Doveton
Geelong – Beaumaris 1 – 0
Box Hill United – Boroondara Carey Eagles 0 – 2
NPL3 – Table
1. Caroline Springs 22 52
2. Melbourne Victory (Y) 22 42
3. North Sunshine 22 38
4. Goulburn Suns 22 38
5. Boroondara 22 35
6. Nunawading 21 32
7. Doveton 21 27
8. Box Hill 22 25
9. Beaumaris 22 24
10. Essendon 22 23
11. Geelong 22 21
12. Ballarat 22 17
