Image: Dave Norster/Twitter
It’s unlikely that after three rounds many people would have expected the table as it is at the moment.
Avondale sit on top with three wins from three, all coming via a 1-0 scoreline. Talk about defensive stability. It is a hallmark of an Anthony Barbieri side, but the difference now is that Avondale have started strong compared to last season’s slow start, and, despite being yet to find the net more than once during a game, they have more avenues on goal than last year (compared to relying often on Jonatan Germano).
As for South, their title defence is looking Leicester-esque and Adelaide United-eque at this stage, but with every other club bar Avondale dropping points around them (highlighted by three scoreless draws so far this round), the difference in league points amongst most of the clubs isn’t too great yet.
At Somers Street, all it took was a bundled second half goal by Craig Carley to separate the sides.
In a low-key first half, a chance by Evan Christodolou was saved by Nikola Roganovic short of half an hour.
At the other end, Milos Lujic had a chance from outside the area that went over the bar.
The deadlock was broken in the 65th minute when Carley bundled in his first goal for Avondale. Jamie Cumming’s header across the face from a set piece was cleared into the striker, who may not have known too much about it but they all count.
The hosts had the best chance to double the lead when Kaine Sheppard and Nick Symeoy were denied by a heroic double save from Roganovic.
South had their chances too – via a Liam McCormick header; Brad Norton had a deflected effort saved, and Lujic was also denied by Chris Oldfield in a one-on-one – but Avondale held on and claimed a massive win at home.
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St Albans earned their first point of the season in a contest that would have frustrated hosts Heidelberg United.
The best chance came in the first half via a penalty when a handball was called in the box, but Sean Ellis’ spot kick was saved by Chris May.
Another opportunity came before the break when Kenny Athiu played in Harry Noon who was also denied by May.
The one time May was beaten, which came in the second half, Daniel Slovacek was on hand to clear Noon’s effort.
Round 3 HU Vs. STA #Bergerbrigade #PS4NPLVIC @FFV365 @HUFCWARRIOR pic.twitter.com/MUV7fCOvsh
— Bergerbrigade (@bergerbrigade58) February 25, 2017
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Pascoe Vale and Hume City also played out a competitive scoreless draw with both sides having their keepers to thank for the respective clean sheets.
One of the first efforts came from a clever lobbed pass from Jacob Colosimo to Marino Gasparis, whose shot was thwarted by Michael Weier.
Nick Hegarty had a headed opportunity when James McGarry combined with Daniel Clark for a cross that found the captain, whose radar was slightly off.
In the second half, another good Colosimo pass found Davey Van ‘t Schip who was also denied by Weier.
Fresh off a brace last week, this time Liam Boland couldn’t find the back of the net after connecting with a Hegarty cross, with Alex Pavlidis producing a save.
Michael Ferrante, who netted last week’s winner for Paco against Melbourne Knights, couldn’t replicate the same result when he had a couple of strong long-distance strikes late which hit the woodwork.