Round 21 kicked off with a bang as South Melbourne fired three past Pascoe Vale and Green Gully thwarted an impressive Ballarat side.
Goulburn Valley continued their recent run of good form as Werribee moved further away from the drop with a 2-1 victory over Dandenong Thunder who now sit dangerously close to relegation.
Heidelberg maintained third position with dynamic duo Dan Heffernan and Kaine Sheppard nominated as standout’s for this weeks edition of the Team of the Week. And on that note:
Formation 3-4-3
GK: Tommy Dunn (Werribee City)
It was decent afternoon for the Werribee shot stopper who played a significant role in his side’s victory with a few crucial saves. Definitely what you need from a keeper whey you’re in the midst of a relegation dogfight.
CB: Adrian Talarico (Pascoe Vale)
A flat back three today but nevertheless we’ve still incorporate the full back after a good performance. Talarico may have been on the losing side but the defender battled on and fought gallantly despite the result slipping away from Pascoe Vale. A real disciplined performance.
CB: Isyan Erdogan (Hume City)
The centre back was instrumental as his side hung on for a 2-1 victory with nine men over Port Melbourne. A voice at the back and reliable in defence, Erdogan’s presence was crucial as the hosts hung on.
CB: Michael Eager (South Melbourne)
The skipper was commanding and his presence in defence was enormous for South on Friday night. Eager led from the back as he marshalled the defence. A magnificent signing by Chris Taylor to lure him over from Northcote.
RM: Ryan De Vries (Bentleigh Greens)
The classy winger finds himself back in the Team of the Week following a standout performance in Bentleigh’s 2-2 draw with Goulburn Valley. Quick, skilful and a constant threat from out wide, De Vries also bagged his side’s first early into proceedings.
CM: Jeffery Fleming (Green Gully)
Fleming was instrumental in Green Gully’s hard fought 2-1 win over Ballarat Red Devils on Saturday afternoon. The veteran was influential in shutting down the Ballarat attack and keeping Shaun Romein at bay. He found himself deep in attack on several occasions but showed his quality and determination to get back and help out in defence as well.
LM: Andrew Cartanos (Heidelberg United)
Until he was substituted late on Sunday afternoon, Cartanos was simply outstanding on the wing for Heidelberg. Covering a lot of territory and providing a threat out wide, the winger grabs a spot on the flank this week.
CAM: Bryan Vanega (Goulburn Valley Suns)
The midfielders recent vain of form can no doubt be associated with the Sun’s recent run of results. The number ten was nominated as a standout again, providing a lively and creative presence in the final third.
ST: Dan Heffernan (Heidelberg United)
Yes it had to be this man again. Heffernan provided a constant danger in front of goal as Heidelberg defeated Knights 2-0. The forward additionally provided a superb highlight with a delightful 83rd minute chip which wrapped up the result for his side.
ST: Leigh Minopoulos (South Melbourne)
The forward starred with a brace on Friday night and worked tirelessly throughout the contest. An all-round splendid performance as Minolpoulos created and capitalised.
ST: Nate Foster (Oakleigh Cannons)
A notable standout in otherwise what could be described as a untidy game. Foster helped keep his side’s title chances alive with a late goal and taking his season tally to nine.
Substitutes:
Kieran Gonzales (Green Gully)
Gully’s custodian made a few impressive saves on Saturday afternoon which saw his side hold off a Red Devils challenge. An outstanding figure in a relatively tame affair.
Kaine Sheppard (Heidelberg United)
Much like fellow forward Dan Heffernan, Sheppard had a game to remember. The pair linked up well on during their time on the pitch as they have done for the whole season as the competitions premier strike partnership.
Dave Stirton (Bentleigh Greens)
Definitely filling in the void left by the departure of Brent McGrath, Stirton was as impressive as ever despite Bentleigh only managing a draw against Goulburn Valley. The forward also netted a late goal as he grabs a spot on the bench for consecutive weeks.
Simon Tolli (Werribee City): Werribee’s mid-season signing has definitely adjusted to life in the top flight following some impressive performances of late. The forward scored a crucial late goal which ensured Werribee the three points over the Thunder.
Thanks to Brandon Galgano (@bgalgano94), Brad Hutchings (@BradHutchings_), David Manuca (@davidmanuca), Bill Molloy (@Bill_Molloy94) and Shaun Moran (@MoranShaun) for their excellent assistance.