The Cannons have secured themselves a quarter-finals spot in the Australia Cup after a dramatic contest with Heidelberg that saw the crossbar cost “Alexandros” the result in the deciding penalty shootout.
Oakleigh qualified for the next round following a 1-1 draw after extra time on Wednesday evening, with the hosting Cannons outfit managing to come out on top on penalties (4-1) to keep their Cup run alive.
The home side had a golden chance in the 40th minute to sneak ahead after being awarded a spot-kick, though midfielder Joseph Guest squandered the opportunity by hitting it wide of the right post.
Oakleigh did eventually go ahead in the 55th minute when “Alexandros” failed to clear a dangerous cross into the area, which allowed centre half Jordon Hall to strike the ball in from close range.
“Megas” were given a great opportunity to draw level after earning their own penalty late into the second half, which winger Sean Ellis guided into the bottom left (88′) to take the game into extra time.
Neither side was able to sneak ahead in the additional 30 minutes of play, necessitating a penalties to settle the tie.
Heidelberg started the shootout horribly with their first penalty taker in centre back Ben Collins hitting the crossbar.
Oakleigh, by comparison, were perfect in their first three penalties with Alex Salmon, Cameron McGilp and Oliver Kubilay all scoring.
“Alexandros” winger Joshua Pin stepped up for his club’s third effort and, in cruel fashion, also struck the crossbar to give the Cannons the chance to win the game with their fourth penalty.
Oakleigh midfielder Noah Holmes rose to the occasion and finished it into the bottom left, sealing their quarter-finals berth in the process.
The Cannons will take on A-League side Macarthur FC in the next round, while South Melbourne (the other Greek background club still in the Cup) is set to face off with fellow NPL Victoria side Hume City.
The Round of 16 saw another notable upset as Moreton City Excelsior defeated Perth Glory 3-2, continuing a remarkable performance from the NPL teams in their matches against A-League clubs for the 2024 Australia Cup.
