The penultimate round of NPL Victoria action threw up some interesting results with huge ramifications at both ends of the table. Bentleigh’s title celebrations were put on ice at the same time as Northcote City saving their season.
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GK: John Honos (Oakleigh Cannons)
While he was provided ample cover by an impressive Adrian Chiappetta, Cannons keeper John Honos needed to be on his game to deny a potent Heidelberg United, which included debutant Archie Thompson. Kept a well deserved clean sheet, the second time he’s done so against the Bergers this season.
RB: Declan Lambert (Richmond SC)
The teenager was pitted up against the direct combination of Sami Nour and Takanori Nishimoto, but showed no sign of fear as he once again shone in the Richmond defensive line. Kept both players quiet across the course of the game and helped earn a well-deserved clean sheet.
CB: Steven Pace (Heidelberg United)
The Heidelberg United defence did their job in securing a clean sheet, however it was their attacking outlets that let them down at Olympic Village. Pace continues his superb season alongside Luke Byles, with the pair combining to brilliant effect to shut out Dusan Bosnjak and Dimi Hatzimouratis who’ve combined for 31 goals this year.
CB: Greg Lombardo (Northcote City)
While Bentleigh were missing a wealth of first team attackers, they still boasted an attack that had plenty of potency in the form of Kamal Ibrahim, Tyson Holmes and former Melbourne Victory duo John Maclean and Kieran Dover. Lombardo and partner Michalis Karvouniaris hardly gave them a sniff across the 90 minutes to keep alive their hopes of staying in the top-flight.
CB: Bryan Bran (Richmond SC)
Alongside Lambert, Bryan Bran’s impact in the heart of defence went a long way towards a crucial clean sheet and three points over relegation rivals Bulleen Lions. The centre-half displayed a lion-heart and plenty of leadership to steer his side to victory.
LB: Tyler James (Port Melbourne Sharks)
Started in a more reserved right-back role against Hume City before venturing forward into a right wingback position in the second half. James was able to restrict the chances Hume enjoyed on the left side of attack and contributed to a well deserved clean sheet for the victorious Sharks. Squeezes in at left back for this team
CM: Jonathan Bounas (Northcote City)
The Northcote midfielder displayed a wide range of passing from midfield and got involved at both ends in a bustling display in the centre of the park. His performance went a long way towards a vital win.
CM: Jeff Fleming (Avondale FC)
The veteran was amongst the bests for Avondale FC and was able to impose himself on a Knights defence lacking the creativity of Jason Hicks. Helped Avondale completely overrun the Knights midfield.
RW: Leigh Minopoulos (South Melbourne)
Finished the night with just one assist but he was central to absolutely everything that South Melbourne did across the 90 minutes. Won the first penalty and threaded a beautiful ball for Lujic’ second, but also both assisted and scored an offside goal. He had a number of other chances and his service was A+.
ST: Milos Lujic (South Melbourne)
A hat-trick against Port Melbourne has just about sewn up the Golden Boot for Milos Lujic, all despite missing a penalty – which in his fairness was slid home on the rebound. He earned his second penalty which he then converted and could have easily finished with four were it not for an offside call.
LW: Abrahim Yango (Avondale FC)
The electric Yango was fantastic for Avondale all afternoon, going forward and causing headaches in the defence of his opponents. Grabbed an assist in the big win over the Knights.
Substitutes:
Jay Davies (Green Gully)
Was bright early on in the win against Melbourne Victory, in a game that struggled for standouts. Had a few bursts forward in trademark fashion.
Alex Caniglia (Richmond SC)
The Richmond winger may not have gotten on the scoresheet, but his work-rate on the flank was basically worth a goal of its own. He worked up and down his wing and contributed plenty in a defensive capacity to help his defence keep a clean sheet.
Shaun Kelly (Port Melbourne Sharks)
Quite surprisingly, the Englishman was deployed as a centre forward against Hume City, and rewarded Eric Vassiliadis’ brave decision with the deciding goal in a 1-0 home win. Provided a good physical match to Hume’s centre-back pairing before moving back into defence to shore up the result.
James Papadimitriou (Northcote City)
Alongside Melbourne City trialist Braedyn Crowley, former Moreland Zebras man James Papadimitrou was fantastic leading the lines for Northcote City, going on to net what proved to be the winner in the second half.
Jonatan Germano (Avondale FC)
A brace for the Argentine was a good return, as he continues his crazy run of form in front of goals. He was bright throughout in their thrashing of the Knights.