Melbourne Knights – South Melbourne
South Melbourne proved they have the recipe for success as they savored yet another victory. In a classic derby against Melbourne Knights, Lucas Inglese made sure to spice things up with a sensational winning goal in the 72nd minute, leaving the opposing team in shambles.
Inglese’s goal was a masterpiece, making his teammates and opponents look like mere mortals as he soared above them to seal the deal.
Notably, Inglese was only on the field for six minutes before his magic touch shook the stadium.
While the game may not have been a fan favorite, it was a feast for the eyes as personal vendettas, stamina battles, and solid defenses took center stage. But ultimately, South Melbourne’s hunger for victory reigned supreme, cementing their spot at the top of the leaderboard.
They’re not just sitting pretty though, as they vow to claw their way to the finish line. Only time will reveal if they can maintain their winning recipe until the very end.
Manningham United – Oakleigh Cannons
The Oakleigh Cannons put on a show at Manningham’s turf, leaving their opponents no chance to defend. With Guest and Salmon leading the charge, they played with such ease it was like a stroll in the park.
In just 14 minutes, Joe Guest made a goal happen all on his own and Salmon joined the party in the 27th minute, leaving the home team shell-shocked.
But even the seasoned “Cannons” slowed down at some point, settling for a 2-0 lead at halftime. However, the second half saw them picking up where they left off, with Hampson soaring above the rest to secure the third goal with a majestic header.
Feeling the heat, Manningham fought back and got one goal through their top scorer, but it was too little, too late. The final nail in the coffin was delivered by the fabulous Mr. Valentini, who spun around like a graceful ballerina to score the fourth and final goal.
Chris Taylor’s team was a sight to behold, each week better than the last.
Heidelberg United – Altona Magic
Unfortunately for Heidelberg United, they couldn’t quite manage to out-magic Altona. Despite their best efforts, they were stuck trailing after Bul Juach pulled a 15th minute rabbit out of his hat.
Thankfully, Eoin Ashton’s sky-high skills salvaged them a 83rd minute equalizer, but it was still a disappointment that left them in fourth place.
But hey, at least they’ll have a chance for redemption in the upcoming derby against Oakleigh Cannons.
Maybe they’ll have a magic trick up their sleeves this time.
St Albans Saints – Port Melbourne
The ferocious Port Melbourne Sharks swam circles around St Albans, completely dominating the game with a swift 0-3 lead by the 23rd minute of the first half.
Despite the home team’s valiant efforts to make a comeback, Port Melbourne’s “sharks” were able to maintain their formidable hold on the field.
They even added insult to injury with a killer free-kick from Stokes.
Despite a slow second half and a minor attempt at redemption from the hosts, it was clear that the Sharks were simply too powerful as they glided to a well-deserved victory of 3-5, thanks to a goal from Mesourounis in stoppage time.
Nikos Marino’s team proved that they are a force to be reckoned with, chomping at the bit to compete with the league’s best.
VPL1
Looks like Northcote decided to serve up a spicy win on Melbourne Victory’s turf with a 1-2 score. The Greek Aussies are sitting in third place on the table, just six points shy of claiming the first spot.
Bentleigh Greens stumbled in the face of Langwarrin’s slick football on Friday night in Cheltenham. The visitors were on a mission to dominate and had Lady Luck on their side, ultimately claiming victory on enemy turf with a 2-1 scoreline.
Despite Brunswick City’s greatest efforts, it seems the Eastern Lions were not in the mood to share the victory. With a final score of 1-0, the visitors were forced to retreat with their tails between their legs.
Kingston City was dealt a mighty blow with a 1-2 home defeat by Western United. Despite their valiant effort, the red and white squad couldn’t quite hold their ground against the powerhouse visitors.
VPL2
Box Hill United tried their best to work their Pythagoras magic, but alas, even they couldn’t solve the equation for a win against Langwarrin. Despite their efforts, they left the match disappointed as the final score stood at 1-0.
NPL – RESULTS
Melbourne Knights – South Melbourne 0 – 1 (71′ L. Inglese)
Dandenong City – Avondale 0 – 1 (90+7′ G. Mells)
Moreland City – Green Gully 2 – 1 (42′ A. Ukuno, 79′ F. Fulton – 16′ S. Ahmed)
Manningham United – Oakleigh Cannons 1 – 4 (81′ X. Theodorakopoulos – 14′ J. Guest, 28′ A. Salmon, 62′ C. Hampson, 84′ S. Valentini)
St Albans Saints – Port Melbourne Sharks 3 – 5 (33′ J. Colina, 45′ B. Summerskill [P], 72′ S. Bakkor – 13′ E. Peters, 16′ E. Stokes, 23′ J. Courtney – Perkins, 45+3′, 90+7′ A. Mesourounis)
Hume City – Dandenong Thunder 0 – 0
Heidelberg United – Altona Magic 1 – 1 (83′ E. Ashton – 15′ B. Juach)
NPL – TABLE
1. South Melbourne 14 35
2. Avondale 14 32
3. Oakleigh Cannons 14 31
4. Heidelberg Utd 13 30
5. Hume City 14 27
6. Port Melb Sharks 14 24
7. Altona Magic 14 17
8. Dand City 14 16
9. Melb Knights 14 15
10. Green Gully 14 15
11. Dand Thunder 14 12
12. Manningham 14 9
13. St. Albans 14 7
14. Moreland 14 6
VPL1 – RESULTS
Preston Lions – Bulleen Lions 3 – 2
Bentleigh Greens – Langwarrin 1 – 2
Melbourne City – Caroline Springs 3 – 0
Eastern Lions – Brunswick City 1 – 0
North Geelong Warriors – Werribee City 1 – 2
Kingston City – Western United 1 – 2
Melbourne Victory – Northcote City 1 – 2
VPL1 – TABLE
1. Melb Victory 14 33
2. Preston Lions 14 30
3. Northcote 14 27
4. Western Utd 14 26
5. Bentl Greens 14 23
6. Langwarrin 14 21
7. Bulleen Lions 14 17
8. Brunswick City 14 16
9. Melb City 14 16
10. Eastern Lions 14 15
11. Carol Springs 14 15
12. Kingston 14 14
13. Werribee City 14 11
14. North Geelong 14 4
VPL2 – RESULTS
Nunawading City – Box Hill United 1 – 0
Doveton City – Beaumaris 2 – 1
Boroondara – Carey Eagles – Essendon Royals 3 – 2
Pascoe Vale – Goulburn Valley Suns 3 – 0
Altona City – Brunswick Juventus 1 – 1
FC Melbourne Srbija – North Sunshine Eagles 1 – 2
VPL2 – TABLE
1. Nth Sunsh. Eagles 10 22
2. Brun Juventus 10 22
3. Altona City 10 22
4. FC Melb. Serbia 10 20
5. Pascoe Vale 10 15
6. Essendon Royals 10 15
7. Boroondara Eagles 10 14
8. Nunawading City 10 13
9. Box Hll 10 9
10. Goulburn Valley 10 7
11. Doveton 10 6
12. Beaumaris 10 4
