It seemed to be quite a good week for midfielders and attackers, with a few masterclasses in front of goal for some side. Because of that we had to do a lot of re-shuffling to fit players into the XI.
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GK: Michael Weier (Hume City)
Hume City earned a hard-fought 1-0 win and that clean sheet sheet certainly did not come as easily as the side would’ve liked. Weier was regularly tested and had to be at his best to deny Bulleen’s advances.
RB: Josh Wilkins (Heidelberg United)
Picked out as one of his side’s best despite Gully’s ability to net twice, Wilkins has again been a top player for Heidelberg and showed why he was one of TCF’s picks for best fullbacks in 2016. Worked hard to stop Gully’s potent attacking lineup and also run up the other end to link up with the Bergers’ forwards.
CB: Tom Matthews (Oakleigh Cannons)
A busy night for Matthews who, in recent times has had to deputise in an unfamiliar centre-back position, but against South the right-back also had to shift mid-game to the left, and then back to the centre. Despite all that, three points and a clean sheet were still forthcoming. Not bad.
LB: Tim Purcell (Melbourne Knights)
A cumulative pick from Purcell at right-back (we’ve had to shift him to fit him in the XI). Contributed to the clean sheet defensively and also notched up an assist, his second consecutive assist for the Knights.
CM: Joseph Youssef (Pascoe Vale)
A captain’s knock from Youssef, whose effort in midfield was tireless. Was rewarded for his tireless shift with two assists for both goals, helping his side to a comfortable 2-0 win over a previously unbeaten Kingston City.
CM: Anthony Dezic (Melbourne Knights)
The Knights midfield seemed to function better with Dezic in it, who was a strong presence around the park and acted as the glue between the defence and attack. Linked well with teammates.
CM: Yitay Towns (Avondale FC)
May not always get the same recognition as much of Avondale’s star-studded midfield, but Towns has often been a reliable deputy for Avondale. Won a penalty for his side and was regularly in the thick of the action, unlucky not to add a goal to his name.
RAM: Elvis Kamsoba (Melbourne Knights)
Kamsoba’s reputation continues to grow in Victoria with a number of memorable performances – and acrobatic goal celebrations. Was at it again against Port Melbourne, causing his opposing fullbacks all sorts of issues and netting a brace.
CAM: Keanu Moore (Bentleigh Greens)
Moore last year was a chief destroyer against Bentleigh for Edgeworth in the NPL national finals, and now he’s scoring for the Greens. Opened his league account for 2017 and showed a cutting edge in the attacking third that has seen him have A-League trials before his Bentleigh move.
LAM: Dean Piemonte (Oakleigh Cannons)
Has a habit of scoring the opening goal for Oakleigh this season, and this time it finally resulted in a win, with his classy effort catching the usually reliable Nikola Roganovic off guard proving to be the winner for Oakleigh. His distribution, especially from set pieces, was also menacing on the night.
ST: Matt Thurtell (Bentleigh Greens)
Looks to be fit and firing after his injury troubles of previous seasons and Thurtell was a constant threat against St Albans, putting away two good finishes to help propel his side to a 3-0 win.
Substitutes:
Ryan Scott (Bentleigh Greens)
On paper it may have seemed like a straightforward 3-0 win for league heavyweights against the cellar dwellers but Scott still had plenty to do to ensure St Albans had no way of getting back into the contest with some big way.
Adrian Talarico (Pascoe Vale)
An industrious display for the long-serving Pascoe Vale man who continues to produce the goods for his side. Linked well with others and to create openings on goal for himself and teammates.
Kaine Sheppard (Avondale FC)
The forward played an important role in setting up Avondale’s opportunities. Produced the cross for Kamal Ibrahim’s winner and delivered the ball that had Towns in on goal for the penalty (amongst other chances for teammates.
Kenny Athiu (Heidelberg United)
May have spurned a few early chances but Athiu stepped up when needed. Way’s winning goal took the headlines but it was Athiu who delivered the first goal to get back into it, and also was involved in the second when his touch allowed Zahra to find his way through on goal.
Luke Gallo (Bulleen Lions)
A menacing display from the winger who helped produce everything but the all-important goal. His speed and directness had Hume under pressure and not for the first time Gallo put in an exciting display.
Wade Dekker (Green Gully)
Has looked good for Gully in his return to competitive football since his Melbourne City release after long-term injury. Dekker had a well-taken goal to his name against Heidelberg and looked dangerous when the ball was in his vicinity.