NPL Victoria
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It was a close round this week (we’ll overlook the mid-week game between Northcote and Hume), with every game ending in either a draw or a win by a margin of just one goal. Three clashes ended 1-0, highlighting how tense the round was. It started with South Melbourne clawing back a two-goal deficit to earn a 2-2 draw against Bentleigh, while the showcase fixture was undoubtedly Hume v North Geelong, with the visitors thinking they had pipped a late equaliser before Petar Franjic bundled in the winner for Hume deep into extra time.
Bentleigh Greens 2 (Thurtell 30’, Lucas 35’) drew with South Melbourne 2 (Lujic 53’, Epifano 79’) at Kingston Heath
It was a real tale of two halves as Bentleigh’s two first half goals were cancelled out by South Melbourne after the break for a draw.
The Greens’s two Queensland imports – Matt Thurtell and Chris Lucas – struck within five minutes of each other, with both goals coming from neat build up play. Chris Taylor then rung in the changes and the visitors’ fortunes changed, with Milos Lujic winning and scoring a penalty, then Nick Epifano started the passage of play that ended with his equaliser.
Melbourne Knights 1 (Uskok 90’) defeated Dandenong Thunder 0 at Knights Stadium
A relatively subdued contest saw a resilient Thunder hold off the more fancied Knights for almost the full 90 minutes. In a contest devoid of goalmouth action and crying out for a hero, captain Tomislav Uskok stepped up and hit and effort that took a deflection off the ‘keeper and into the net, sending the home support into raptures with the Knights now four wins from four games.
Pascoe Vale 1 (Nakic 28’) defeated Oakleigh Cannons 0 at CB Smith Reserve
Pascoe Vale picked up their first win of the season while consigning Oakleigh Cannons – one of the pre-season title favourites– to the bottom of the table. The win came via a solitary goal, with Jake Nakic getting on the end of Joseph Youssef’s ball near the byline and steering it into the back of the net.
Avondale FC 0 defeated by Heidelberg United 1 (Athiu 57’) at Avondale Heights Reserve
Avondale are still searching for their first league win since being promoted, this time falling 1-0 to Heidelberg United, who get back on the winner’s list after last round’s defeat against Bentleigh. Whilst Kaine Sheppard was menacing all night, it was former Box Hill man Kenny Athiu that did the damage, pouncing on ‘keeper Siddal’s scramble in the box to poke the ball home.
Northcote City 2 (Kokolakis 17′, Bounas 19′) defeated Port Melbourne 1 (Milicevic 10′) at John Cain Memorial Reserve, Thornbury.
All the goalscoring action happened within the first 20 minutes of this contest, as Northcote city recorded a come-from-behind win to record a welcome second league victory in a row. Port got off to the ideal start when some interplay between Ryan Opperman and Andrew Milicevic was finished off by the latter, before Nick Kokolakis popped up to drive the ball in from a goalmouth scramble. Jonathan Bounas then scored the winner two minutes later with one of the goals of the season, chesting the ball down and volleying it in from 25 yards.
Hume City 4 (Rexhepi 42’, Ingham 48’, 78’, P. Franjic 90+5’) defeated North Geelong 3 (Zadworny 19’, 56’, Townley 90+4’) at ABD Stadium
The game of the round ended in heartbreak for the travelling Warriors fans, who thought they earned a late equaliser before Hume snatched the three points. Rob Zadworny continued his scintillating form, scoring early from a corner, before Shane Rexhepi equalised also from a set piece. Jai Ingham scored his first goal after the break, with Zadworny adding his second soon after to square the ledger.
Ingham capitalised on good play from Mbarga to nab his second in the 78th minute, and with time running out, the Warriors earned a late penalty which was put away by Townley. With Geelong still celebrating, Hume got the ball forward from the restart, earning a free kick on the edge of the area which was bundled over by Petar Franjic, sending home fans into raptures.
Green Gully 1 (Muriqi 14’) drew with Werribee City 1 (Cristaldo 51’) at Green Gully Reserve
This clash saw both sides exchange blows early in either half, eventually settling for a draw. Rinor Muriqi was first to open the scoring, capitalising on Gully’s early dominance by pouncing on John Markovski’s expert dribble and delivery into the box that wasn’t cleared properly. Werribee worked themselves into the contest and equalised in the second half via former Melbourne Victory man Chris Cristaldo, who seized on a turnover to run into the box and tuck the ball past the ‘keeper.
Hume City 5 (Schroen 18’ 24’, Hegarty 56’ 62’, Ingham 72’) defeated Northcote City 0 at ABD Stadium
Hume backed up its last gasp win over Geelong with a 5-0 trouncing of Northcote, who will be disappointed at the magnitude of the loss considering its more recent promising form. Marcus Schroen raced out of the blocks in the first half, securing a brace within the opening 25 minutes, while Nick Hegarty matched that feat with his own quickfire double after the break. Jai Ingham then continued his goalscoring run with the sealer, before the sprinkler system initiated its own mercy rule by forcing an early abandonment of play with a few minutes of regulation time remaining.
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WPL Victoria
Much like the NPL Victoria this week, the WPL was rife with close encounters, late drama and incredible comebacks. The round began with Casey scoring their first points of the season with a tough contest with NTC, while Heidelberg and South Melbourne both earned come from behind wins. South left it late, as did Bulleen, who had a 95th mintue strike from Caity Friend to thank for the points. Bundoora triumphed by the one goal against Ashburton in the clash of the heavyweights, while perhaps most importantly, Caulfield got off the mark with a morale boosting victory over South Yarra
Casey Comets 0 drew with Senior NTC 0 at Comets Stadium | Report
Despite continuously knocking on the door, visitors Senior NTC weren’t able to claim their first victory of the season, as the resilient backline of Casey held on for their first point of the season in 0-0 draw. Comets had no answers for the width and pace of an NTC side who set out to attack the Comets from flanks as they carved out a number of clear cut opportunities over the 90 minutes. Marika Kamoda and Harriet Cordner were influential in goals and at the heart of defence respectively, as the pair made crucial interceptions and last gasp saves aplenty. The most memorable moment of the match came in the final few minutes, as Emily Harbis rounded Kamoda, only for Cordner to slide in desperately to deny her a last-gasp winner.
Heidelberg United 3 (Nicolaci 29’ 73’, Gunn 80’) defeated Boroondara Eagles 2 (Newman 8’ Hubbard 13’) at Olympic Village | Report
It was excitement galore in Heidelberg as the hosts overturned a two-goal deficit to triumph over a fast starting Boroondara 3-2. Emma Hubbard was central to the visitors early two goal lead, as she first set up Aliesha Newman for an easy finish, before tapping home herself, all within 13 minutes. While the opening two goals were within five yards of the net, the Bergers three all came from range, as they scored blockbuster after blockbuster. Julia Nicolaci struck twice either side of the break – the first a 25-yard belter which dipped under the crossbar and her second a 35-yard free-kick – before substitute Emma Gunn somehow topped them both with another strike from 35 yards, which went across the face of goals, into the top corner.
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Bundoora United (Bisby 44’) defeated Ashburton United 0 at Hillsview Recreational Centre | Report
In a contest that promised plenty for those in attendance, the game between two likely heavyweights of 2015 fizzed away to a narrow 1-0 win for Bundoora. Ashburton had the better of the contest in the first half, but were unable to penetrate the stringent Bundy defence. In the end it was a well worked team goal on the stroke of half-time, with former Victory W-League enforcer Louisa Bisby capping it off with the finish.
Caulfield United Cobras SC 3 (McMullen 15’, Kane 18’, Les 54’) defeated South Yarra SC 1 (Marques 41’) at Knox Regional Football Centre | Report
It was a massive result for Caulfield United in the clash between the two promoted sides, as South Yarra took their start to three without a win. On the plus side, the visitors nabbed their first goal of the year through Marcela Marques, but it proved merely a consolation as an Amy Kane led Cobras stood firm to round off a 3-1 win. The aforementioned Kane played a role in all three goals, involved in the build-up play for Louisa McMullen’s opener, before netting one of her own on 18 minutes. Marques struck back for South Yarra just before the half’s conclusion to give them a sniff, but Anita Les scuppered that with a goal early in the second half to restore their two-goal lead. Despite a late surge from South Yarra, Caulfield did enough to grab a crucial win.
Sandringham SC 1 (Gleadell 68’) defeated by South Melbourne WFC 2 (Eliadis 77’ 90+1’) at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex | Report
South Melbourne perhaps made their biggest statement of the year so far, as they grinded out a tough 2-1 win over Sandringham SC to continue their perfect start to the season. Despite going a third game straight without keeping a clean sheet, their potency up forward, usual suspect Tiff Eliadis nabbing a brace, was enough to see them over the line. A tight first half saw little chances fall either way, but a more open second paved the way for goals. Substitute Eliza Gleadell headed the hosts into a 1-0 lead before Eliadis a classy brace with only 15 minutes remaining to steal a memorable and hard fought victory.
FC Bulleen Lions 1 (Friend 90+5’) defeated Box Hill United 0 at Veneto Club
In a clash that had more excitement than the 1-0 score line suggested, Bulleen triumphed with the latest of late goals to down a resilient Box Hill United. The home side started brightly, and Beattie Goad was at the centre of it all early, but couldn’t find a finish to match the opportunities she carved out for herself. Madelaine Richardson earned herself an early bath with a second bookable offence on 64 minutes, while it was the heroics of both keepers who were keeping the sides at bay for the most part. Up stepped Caity Friend who was to assume the role of match winner with one of the last plays of the game. Deep into injury time, she stepped up and scored a worldie to send the Bulleen faithful into raptures.
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NPL 1 East
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Richmond Soccer Club 2 (Cahill 15’, Goff 41’) def Kingston City 0 at KB Reserve
Richmond followed up their impressive FFA Cup win against Bulleen with another strong home performance, seeing off Kingston City on Friday night. After a good start, Talisman Tom Cahill opened the scoring with a classy volley. Kingston had chances to get back into the contest following the goal, the best of which fell to Deniz Subanovski, but he was denied by the home keeper’ Chris Davis. Andrew Goff then doubled the lead with a scrappy finish before half time to seal Richmond’s second win of the season.
Dandenong City 3 (Matkovic 47′, Seavill 69′, 76′) defeated Box Hill United 0 at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex
Dandenong City grabbed their first win of the season at the expense of travelling Pythagoras thanks to a spirited second half performance. City opened the scoring minutes after the break, with Dario Matkovic tapping home following a pinpoint cross from Brad Ross. Sean Seavill got his first following a defensive mistake, before sealing the win with just under 15 minutes remaining by latching on to a loose ball and duly finishing, after Box Hill keeper’ Alex Connell parried a cross from Ross into his path.
Eastern Lions 1 (Ajao ’10) defeated by Melbourne Victory 3 (Katebian 38’, Dover 59’, 86’) at Gardiners Creek Reserve
The Victory’s NPL side extended their unbeaten start – whilst ending Eastern Lions’ – in an entertaining contest. The home side took the lead early as Philip Ajao beat the offside trap and sprinted away, hitting the post with his initial shot before finishing the rebound. In an end-to-end contest, Victory spurned multiple opportunities to equalise, before ex-Bulleen striker Joey Katebian managed to do so, taking advantage of a defensive error. Kieran Dover then gave the visitors the lead in the second period, firing past Robert Havercroft from long range. Eastern had a header cleared off the line with 10 minutes remaining, and whilst they looked likely to nab an equaliser, Dover grabbed his second from the spot to confirm the result.
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Goulburn Valley Suns 2 (Carley 4’, Kane 87’) defeated Springvale White Eagles 0 at John McEwan Reserve, Shepparton
The hosts maintained their 100% record in NPL East, with goals four minutes either side of kick-off and full time seeing off the visiting White Eagles. Craig Carley got the Suns off to a dream start, showing why he is the leading goal scorer in the East by scoring with a classic poacher’s finish. The hosts were on the front foot all game, and nabbed a deserved second goal through Shaun Kane to seal the win.
Nunawading City 1 (Silvestri 92′) defeated by Murray United 2 (Coutts 30′, Walker 72′)
History was made for Murray United, who recorded their first ever NPL 1 victory by beating Nunawading City. James Coutts opened the scoring after 30 minutes, beating Ben Robinson to the loose ball before calmly finishing past Keegan Coulter in the City goal. After the break, United continued to look the better side, forcing Coulter into a number of saves and missing a number of other chances, before finally breaking through again via Zac Walker, who hit a spectacular volley to double the lead. The hosts did grab a consolation goal through John-Luc Silvestri, but it proved to be nothing more than that, with City still looking for their first points of the season.
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NPL 1 West
Ballarat Red Devils 4 (Firth 3’, Murphy 24’, 78’, Salvatore 75’) defeated Bendigo City FC 1 (Slevin 50’) at Morshead Park
Ballarat Red Devils finally secured their first win over the weekend against fellow regional side Bendigo City FC in impressive fashion 4-1 at home. The Devils broke a three game goal hiatus when Daniel Firth opened the scoring within the first five minutes of the game. Bendigo found it difficult to come back, as Ballarat went on to score two more unanswered as they raced away with all three points at Morshead Park.
Sunshine George Cross 1 (Dib 23’) drew with St Albans Saints 1 (Devlin 72’) at Chaplin Reserve|
The two teams from western suburbia played out a 1-1 draw cancelling out each other in an energy sapping 90 minutes. St Albans came from behind in the second half to equalise through the head of Barry Devlin. The equalise might not have came if not for a crucial save minutes early from Saints goalkeeper Stuart Webster. Sunshine almost found a second through Slaven Vranesevic’s lovely taken set piece.
Melbourne City 3 (Marino 13′, Dekker 25′ 63′) defeated Brunswick City 2 (Neighbour 40′, Portillo 49′) at Dunstan Reserve
A thrilling 3-2 victory for Melbourne City courtesy of Wade Dekker saw off a Brunswick revival. The first half is where City made their presence felt with two goals within 15 minutes of each other. But Brunswick’s late first half goal pulled back City’s lead within a goal sparking hope of a comeback. An equaliser was found inside five minutes of the restart from Juan Portillo. However, Dekker’s 63rd minute goal put City back in front as they crawled to the finish line.
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Whittlesea Ranges 2 (Tolomeo 40′, Peluso 88′) defeated Bulleen Lions 0 at Epping Stadium
The youthful Ranges claimed their first three points of the season over the weekend. Whittlesea looked dangerous early with Matthew Cundari in poll position to test Bulleen goalkeeper Luke Gallo but skied his shot high and wide. That would act as a warning sign as Ranges continued to come at Bulleen until a breakthrough late in the first half. Tolomeo was found inside the area and neatly stroked the ball into the net with aplomb. Ranges put the icing on their first win two minutes from full-time through Daniel Peluso.
Moreland Zebras 2 (McMongle-Ihasz 10’, Charalambous 90+2’) defeated Moreland City 1 (Kose 60’) at CB Smith Reserve
The Zebras snare first NPL1 West Moreland derby win late on. Zebras took the lead early on in the game before being pegged back midway through the second half. The Zebras played the second half with ten men after Daniel Petrov was sent off deep into first half stoppage time. A man down and without the lead, City looked in control. But a late stoppage time winner from Zebras youth product Danny Charalambous was enough to claim the points.