Image: Natasha Morello
Avondale FC and Heidelberg United won their clashes away at Bulleen Lions and Kingston City respectively last night by scorelines of 2-1, with the former moving to the top of the NPL ladder and the latter goes to third, with both clubs possessing a game in hand.
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At the Grange, the hosts came out of the blocks positively but Velibor Mitrovic’s range was off early, not troubling Chris Theodoridis in goals.
At the other end Heidelberg came much closer when Reuben Way’s snapshot flashed just wide of Sermin Sadikovski in goals, who was left glued to his spot.
No such trouble for Sean Ellis, who took possession of Josh Wilkins’ throw in before cutting in on his deadly left foot and placing a low shot past the outstretched Sadikovski for the lead.
Kingston pushed back and Damian Iaconis nearly had the equaliser in remarkable circumstances when he skipped past numerous markers before his close-range effort was denied by Theodoridis, his first big save of the night as he was called upon to deny Slaven Vranesevic’s free-kick moments later.
But again it was a throw-in that proved the hosts’ undoing as a long throw into the box fell to Harry Noon, whose left-footed shot found its way into the back of the net for his first of the season after many close calls in previous games.
Once again City came knocking and it was Chris Irwin’s effort after cutting in from the left who was denied by a diving Theodoridis.
The home team did finally peg one back – just 16 seconds into the second half – when Mouad Zwed’s incredible Rabona cross was volleyed in by Irwin.
Both teams exchanged chances thereafter, with Heidelberg coming the closest as Kenny Athiu was thwarted on numerous occasions, while Faisal Sakhizada’s stinging drive from distance produced another top save from Heidelberg’s custodian.
Wilkins also had a long-range strike which struck the crossbar, while from a corner Lewis Hall’s shot from Sadikovski’s spill was blocked on the line, with Athiu’s follow-up blazing over the bar.
It just wasn’t to be the striker’s night, but it wouldn’t matter too much as his side ran out 2-1 winners.
The result means Kingston have been dealt their first defeat at home of the campaign, while Heidelberg strengthen their finals credentials and move up to third on 21 points, equal with Bentleigh and one behind Green Gully albeit with a game in hand on both of them.
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At the Veneto Club, the visitors took the lead in the 22nd minute when Petar Franjic’s cross was bundled over the line by Kaine Sheppard for his second of the season.
Bulleen got back into the contest almost 15 minutes later when Chris Ross’ curling through ball found Oliver White, who finished past Chris Oldfield for the equaliser.
After the break Avondale came out strong, producing a number of chances including Evan Christodoulou’s effort from the wing that hit the woodwork.
The hosts had a chance of their own when Jordan Templin got off a shot on goal which flashed just past the goals.
However, Avondale’s pressure would pay off as Jonatan Germano’s corner was headed in by Christodoulou for his first of the season and Avondale’s second of the night.
As Avondale and Heidelberg sit on 23 and 21 points in first and third respectively, Bulleen and Kingston are on 14 (City have a game in hand as well), still just four points off the top six but also only two points above the half-relegation spot in 12th, which is occupied by Melbourne Knights.
It doesn’t get any easier next week for neither Bulleen – who go to Heidelberg – nor Kingston, who host South Melbourne, while Avondale will be visited by Port Melbourne Sharks.