NPL Victoria Men: The NPL finals are going to be wild and crazy – buckle up!

The Oakleigh Cannons and Heidelberg United came out victorious on the field, but it was Avondale who snatched the second place with a triumphant game against Port Melbourne – South Melbourne Hellas ended the regular season by adding another win to their already impressive collection

Alex Salmon scored another goals on Sunday afternoon. Photo: Con Deves

James Deliyannis
19 August 2024 1:17pm

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Oakleigh Cannons – Hume City

The Oakleigh Cannons were in a pickle, needing a win against Hume City to secure their chances of coming in second place. And boy, did they make it happen, leaving Hume in the dust. Sadly, the Port Melbourne Sharks didn’t get the memo and didn’t lend a helping fin by snatching points from Avondale. Ah well, can’t win ’em all.

Despite a tough start with Hume dominating, the Cannons kicked their game into high gear and showed off their goal-scoring prowess. Leading the way was captain Guest with a glorious strike, followed by Salmon’s killer header right before half-time. Talk about cutting the visitors’ wings!

And just to rub salt in Hume’s wounds, Salmon strikes again with a spot-on penalty kick, effectively shutting down the match a whopping forty minutes early. All Hume could do was score a consolation goal in the 60th minute, earning them a prideful 3-1 defeat. Better luck next time.

South Melbourne – St Albans Saints

The mighty South Melbourne Hellas finished their regular season with a bang. Their Greek Australian squad effortlessly took on the Saints, proving that the game was as pointless as arguing with a lamp post.

Although the away team tried to make things interesting with a goal from Max King in the 26th minute, Hellas had them foiled with a goal from Robert Harding at the 30-minute mark. The score was tied at 1-1 when the players took a breather in the locker room. But South Melbourne wasn’t ready to settle for just a draw, oh no. They came back stronger in the second half and Mac Hilson sealed the deal with a goal in the 67th minute.

Big thumb ups to coach Esteban Quintas for leading the team to success with a refreshing blend of young talent. Bravo, sir!

Heidelberg United – Dandenong City

Heidelberg United are like a well-oiled machine, with Coach John Anastasiadis as the master mechanic.

They left their opponents in the dust with a stellar performance to end the regular season.

Goals from Ngor, Ellis, and Sheppard fueled their domination on the field, leaving their opponents reeling.

With high morale, top-form players, and the belief that they can conquer all, Heidelberg United is a force to be reckoned with in the championship finals.

Port Melbourne – Avondale

The Port Melbourne Sharks gave it their all against Avondale, but alas, victory was not in the cards for them in this intense match.

The Italian Australians showed off their impressive skills on the field, leaving the Sharks in their wake with a 4-0 win.

As the season comes to a close, changes are expected for this historic club.

We’ll be here to bring you the latest news on the Greek Australian team and hope for brighter days ahead for the Sharks.

NPL – RESULTS

Dandenong Thunder – Moreland City 3 – 5 (22′ D. Dixon, 34′ T. Dunn, 37′ M. Selimovski – 32′ C. Theodorakopoulos, 65′ C. Theodorakopoulos, 79′ A. Ukuno, 81′ C. Theodorakopoulos, 85′ M Tzoutzidis)

Green Gully – Melbourne Knights 0 – 3 (15′ T. Woerndl, 31′ C. Bramwell, 63′ J. Morton)

Port Melbourne – Avondale 0 – 4 (11′ K. Kur [P], 42′ K. Kur, 64′ K. Trajceski, 90+2′ K. Trajceski)

Oakleigh Cannons – Hume City 3 – 1 (39′ J. Guest, 45′ A. Salmon, 51′ A. Salmon [P])

South Melbourne – St Albans Saints 2 – 1 (30′ R. Harding, 67′ M. Hilson – 26′ M. King)

Heidelberg United – Dandenong City 3 – 0 (32′ James Ngor S., 74′ S. Ellis, 90+1′ K. Sheppard)

Altona Magic – Manningham United 6 – 2 (17′ D. Fabrizio, 18′ D. Anastovski, 36′ D. Fabrizio, 53′ D. Fabrizio, 72′ A. O’Driscoll, 84′ I. Haji – 8′ I. Georgopoulos, 40′ B. Everson)