It’s starting to get interesting at the top of the NPL Victoria ladder as Round 13 possibly conjured up one of the most mesmerising upsets of the season with table dwellers Goulburn Valley Suns earning a 1-1 draw against the might of South Melbourne. Foiling Jamie Reed at the spot, Suns keeper Phillip Petrovski ensured the deadlock would remain intact; all the while a late goal from Oakleigh substitute Laurent Coralie saw the Cannons claw back South lead at the top to only four points.
Last year’s champions Northcote City continued their slide down the table as they were undone by Hume City 2-0 at home, the latter clearly seeking vengeance after bowing out of the Dockerty Cup the week before, narrowly missing out on that all important FFA Cup spot to State One side South Springvale.
Elsewhere Pascoe Vale recorded their fourth straight win on the trot along with a third consecutive clean sheet whilst Heidelberg returned to winning ways after two disappointing draws with a 5-2 result over Dandenong Thunder which was a lot closer than the score line suggested.
The remaining game of the round saw Bentleigh strike late to beat Melbourne Knights by the one goal.
Pascoe Vale 1 defeated Green Gully 0 at Hosken Reserve
Pascoe Vale continue their ascension up the NPL table with their fourth straight victory, defeating Gully by a solitary goal. Goalkeeper Stefaan Sardelic also recorded his fourth clean sheet in as many weeks whilst full-back Adrian Talarico headed home winner at the other end after 64 minutes.
Midfielder Marco Santilli also enjoyed his time back into the starting line-up, providing the assist for Talrico’s header, leaving coach of the month Vitale Ferrante with plenty to think about ahead of his sides clash against Hume City.
Bentleigh Greens 1 defeated Melbourne Knights 0 at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Despite achieving a much needed victory last weekend, Melbourne Knights have fallen short of the hurdle once again, losing out to an 85th minute Brent McGrath strike.
Sam Torren’s returned to fitness and the starting 11 for the Knights with a performance warranting selection in the Team of the Week but was unfortunately prematurely withdrawn from proceedings with a reoccurring hamstring injury.
For Bentleigh however, McGrath was dazzling as all efforts and played went via the former Socceroo who must have been inspired by his one time teammates in Brazil.
Toiling all night, the forward eventually found his sides goal, sealing Bentleigh’s third consecutive victory.
Ballarat Red Devils 0 defeated by Oakleigh Cannons 1 at Morshead Park
Oakleigh’s victory over regional side Ballarat Red Devils cuts back the margin at the top to only four points thanks solely to goal scorer and substitute Laurent Coralie. Goran Zoric and Nate Foster continued their form from last weeks victory over South Melbourne in wet and sluggish conditions.
With several key players absent through injury and suspension, Ballarat were dealt another blow as Adrian Curtain was forced off the field clutching his arm. Oakleigh nevertheless hounded Ballarat’s defence with not only a goal disallowed but shouts for a penalty waved away, only to secure the thee points with 13 minutes to spare.
Dandenong Thunder 2 defeated by Heidelberg United 5 at George Andrews Reserve
Those who ventured out in the cold on Saturday night to George Andrews Reserve certainly got their moneys worth with seven goals dished up on the night. A brace from Kaine Sheppard and another from Jack Petrie saw the Warriors race out to an early 3-0 lead but Dandenong cut back the deficit with two goals in a matter of three minutes with tome ticking down.
Third placed Heidelberg however showed their superiority with two late goals as Dean Heffernan buried his first whilst Petr Kratky saved the best till last with a fierce thunderbolt.
Read More > Katsakis: We dropped off
Werribee City 2 defeated Port Melbourne Sharks 0 at Galvin Park
Port Melbourne still hover dangerously close to the relegation zone after a fourth straight loss on the weekend, this time it was Werribee City on hand to inflict the pain. Both sets of players faced unpleasant conditions as they were met by a mud filled pitch, barely surfacing any grass.
Despite falling short of the mark yet again, Port controlled large intervals of proceedings, as coach Eric Vassiliadis described his sides first half as ‘outstanding’. Goals from Dom Marafiote and Matt Cundari though saw the hosts claim victory, in what was the Bee’s first win in their last four outings.
Northcote City 0 lost to Hume City 2 at John Cain Memorial Reserve
Hume returned to winning ways on Sunday afternoon as they compiled more misery on the reigning premiers, defeating Northcote City 2-0. With the away side only four points above the drop, the hosts were hardly inspiring as Hume sealed a comfortable victory thanks to goals from John Buceto and Anthony Proia.
Northcote coach Goran Lozanovski believes his side are now in ‘desperation mode’ and will no doubt be expecting to collect three points against fellow under performers Melbourne Knights next weekend.
South Melbourne 1 drew Goulburn Valley Suns 1 at Lakeside Stadium
After winning 11 straight to start the season, South have found themselves in a mini form slump off the back of a 3-0 defeat to Oakleigh Cannons and a 1-1 draw to last placed Goulburn Valley.
In what was the biggest upset of the round, South hardly reflected their best form despite Tyson Holmes sending his side up with a contender for goal of the season.
Benjamin Clarke though cancelled out Holmes’ screamer only five mints later whilst Jamie Reed would be licking his wounds after his spot kick was parried to safety by Phillip Petrovski, denying the hosts a morale boosting victory.
By Sean Ellicott
NPL Team of the Week
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Torrential rain played a hand in Saturday’s NPL 1 matches, with several teams consigned to playing on waterlogged pitches whilst one game was eventually called off completely (North Geelong Warriors vs. Richmond SC).
Big wins for Springvale White Eagles (5-2 against Whittlesea), Kingston City (also 5-2, this time over Sunshine) and FC Bendigo (4-0 against Brunswick City) set the bench mark for the round, but neither game could live up to the excitement that the Dandenong City clash dished up.
With City trailing by a goal to St Alban Saints, two goals in the final five minutes saw Dandenong steal an unlikely victory.
There was more goals in Avondale Heights’ 3-1 victory over Bulleen Lions whilst the rounds remaining game somewhat tamer, with Box Hill triumphing over Moreland Zebras 1-0.
North Geelong Warriors vs. Richmond SC washed out
The clash between North Geelong Warriors and Richmond SC was called off in the 19th minute, with both sides in agreement over the referees decision to call off the rain affected match, with player welfare on the forefront of their minds.
Dandenong City 2 defeated St Albans Saints 1 at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex
Dandenong got back to winning ways after a stunning come from behind 2-1 win over St Albans Saints, who would’ve been fourth on the ladder, had they held on for the three points. Instead, City propelled themselves closer to mid-table after a late scurry pushed the home side over the line.
Brodie Patterson was the man to put St Albans in the lead, converting from a 20-yard free-kick in the first half.
The contest see-sawed back and forth before Dandenong decided to push players forward in the dying moments. The sheer weight of number prevailed as silky centre-back and occasional TV star Steven Topalovic pushed up the ground to set up Dario Matkovic for his sides equaliser.
The home side would’ve been forgiven if they packed their bags there and then but they weren’t done, with Matkovic – relentless in his task to compound misery onto the Saints – nodding home in the 89th minute to send the crown into raptures.
Springvale White Eagles 5 defeated Whittlesea Ranges 2 at White Eagles Stadium
A goalfest on offer for those at White Eagles Stadium saw a seven goal game split 5-2 Springvale’s way.
Hamish Millar had a spectacular game, pulling the strings in a dominant display which saw him lay on two assists as well as nab one for himself. Little wonder why he was named the NPL League’s young player of the month on Tuesday.
He assisted Marcus Holmes for his opener and netted himself in the 25th minute, before Whittlesea pulled one back through Matthew Iuliano. But it seemed as if it was the White Eagles’ day as a ‘Vojo’ Milojevic flick found it’s way into the net.
Don Paul had Springvale’s fourth just seconds from the two sides return from the break, ending any hope of the Ranges taking something from the match.
Although Kliment Dimitrieski did pull one back for the visitors from the penalty spot – after the Springvale defence was adjudged to have handled in the box – the comeback wasn’t to be as Milojevic added a second deep into stoppage time.
Box Hill United 1 defeated Moreland Zebras 0 at Wembley Park
Just a tad under 100km separate Geelong from Box Hill but the very same rain did similar damage at Wembley Park. The dour conditions didn’t adhere itself to a good contest and the game turned out just as the weather predicted.
A game bereft of clear cut chances was separated by the solitary goal, that coming from defender Josh Valadon, who pushed up to header home in the 63rd minute.
The win keeps Box Hill in touch with a promotion spot.
FC Bendigo 4 defeated Brunswick City 0 at Tom Flood Sports Centre
Things are looking rosy for regional club FC Bendigo who notched up their second win in as many weeks, this time downing cellar dwellers Brunswick City.
The away side have taken the chance to blood their younger players in this write-off season but young or not, their inability to deal with a fast starting Bendigo would’ve drawn a few unassured looks from those within the inner sanctum.
George Slefendorfas – who was sent off in the second half – put Bendigo in front within two minutes, before Matthew Breeze doubled their advantage in the seventh.
Breeze played a part in the last two goals of the game, first tapping home himself 15 minutes from time, before providing the corner which resulted in Josh Romein’s sealer.
Kingston City 5 defeated Sunshine George Cross 2 at The Grange Reserve
Sunshine George Cross are left in the strange predicament of not having an available senior goalkeeper after mid-week signing Lucas Sanella – signed as cover for senior keepers unavailable for the clash – was sent off on his league debut. He joined Manuell Sadik, who was sent off in the 79th minute for a pair of bookable offences, capping off a poor day for the Western Suburbs club who were well in the contest before the pair’s departure.
The score read 2-2 before the game changing moment; Max Etheridge twice putting Kingston in front, with Chris Dib and Eddie Cetkin the ones to peg the hosts back.
From there, the man advantage played its part as substitute John Maclean slotted home minutes after Sadik parted the ground. Velibor Mitrovic added another one, before Etheridge converted from the spot to complete his hat trick in injury time.
FC Bulleen Lions 1 defeated by Avondale Heights 3 at Veneto Club
A massive away win for Avondale Heights saw them extend their lead on the top of the ladder to an almost unassailable nine point lead over this weeks opponents FC Bulleen who sit in second place.
Avondale were forced to earn their three points this time round as Bulleen took the lead just past the half hour mark through striker Paul Harvey, who capitalised on a delightful through ball from one of the NPL 1’s star players of the season, Joe Katebian.
On the topic of star players, current NPL 1 player of the month Oleksiy Khrapko struck from a free-kick to bring the score back to 1-1. Burakhan Koca then put the away side into the lead, after Bulleen shot-stopper Fraser Maclaren failed to deal with his weak strike.
‘Leppa’ Le Page capped off the result with a free-kick of his own, smashing home to send Avondale home with their 10th straight win.
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In a round which saw huge ramifications at both ends of the table, South Melbourne and FC Bulleen continued to battle it out for Women’s Premier League supremacy whilst Monbulk Rangers missed out on a golden opportunity to leave Ashburton stranded on the bottom of the ladder, losing 1-0 to now sit at the foot of the table.
For South, it was a 4-2 victory over Casey that kept them at the top, whilst the Lions kept touch with a 2-1 win over Heidelberg United in their quarter-final State Knockout Cup replay.
Bundoora United fought hard for a 3-0 win against Cairnlea who by all accounts provided stern resistance against their high-flying opponent.
17 goals fell in the remaining two games as the NTC girls got a hard earned three points with a 6-3 win over Box Hill United, who are now all but out of premiership contention. Boroondara’s 6-2 win against Sandringham rounded off an action packed week in the league.
Bundoora United 3 defeated Cairnlea FC 0 at Hillsview Recreation Reserve
Cairnlea provided evidence that the divide between the top and bottom half of the WPL isn’t the chasm it seems after a steely performance in their 3-0 loss to third place Bundoora United.
The rounds opening match had its first goal quite early, with Padiki Dade tapping home at the far post. Despite Cairnlea pushing hard, it was United who struck again, this time through Adelyn Ayton, who shot low to seal the points late.
Bundoora had a third soon after through Enza Barilla who was on hand to tap home after the initial header cannoned off the woodwork into her path.
South Melbourne Women’s 4 defeated Casey Comets 2 at Lakeside Stadium
Unfortunately, due to a lack of information this week, we were not able to bring you a recap of action at South Melbourne. Stay tuned for updates as they come.
Heidelberg United 1 defeated by FC Bulleen Lions 2 at Olympic Village
The quarter-final Knockout Cup replay saw FC Bulleen back up last weeks win with yet another triumph over Heidelberg United, who by now would be sick of the site of the equal ladder leaders.
Olivia Edwards hit a sweet free-kick to give her side the lead on the 36th minute, continuing on from her good form this season. Demi Kallianis then fired home to square things up right before the teams went into the dugout for half time.
Serial offender Lia Privitelli popped up late to break the hearts of the Bergers faithful; her curled effort floated over Kelsey Quinn whose poor clearance resulted in the goal.
FFV U/17 Girl’s 6 defeated Box Hill United 3 at State Football Centre
The FFV 17’s stunned the league, as well as Box Hill, as they put six goals in on their way to a resounding victory.
Labelled the game in which the NTC girls ‘came of age’, everyone in the midfield and forward line stood up, with Beattie Goad and hat-trick hero Emily Harbis leading the charge. Harbis opened the scoring in the fourth minute in what was a sign of things to come. The impressive Alexi Garcia then extended the lead as she converted from Goad’s cross.
Madeleine Richardson then pulled one back for Box Hill in stunning fashion, bashing home into the top corner from long range. Harbis responded with her second soon after before Melinda Barbieri further extended the lead.
Four further goals fell in the last 15 minutes of the game as Ellie Brush netted a brace late into the match for Box Hill, although a third to Harbis and a further goal to Melissa Taranto cancelled it out.
Ashburton Women’s 1 defeated Monbulk Rangers 0 at Ashburton Park
A relatively dull affair pitted the bottom two sides against each other as Ashburton leapfrogged their opponents Monbulk Rangers off the bottom of the WPL ladder after a narrow 1-0 win.
The win was remarkably Ashburton’s first of the season, and the duck was broken by Natalia Chorobczyk who scored a scrappy goal from a corner. The goal typified the contest, disjointed and untidy, as pre-game rain wreaked havoc on the playing surface.
Sandringham 2 defeated by Boroondara Eagles 6 at Kingston Heath
The Eagles were in full flight against Sandringham, who despite taking an early lead, never really looked in the contest.
The home side took the lead through defender Christie Parton, who snuck up for a free-kick to tap home. Ally Gayfer squared the ledger before two world-class strikes from Adelaide United pair Racheal Quigley and Alex Gummer saw the score read 3-1 in no time.
Read More > Gummer: Focus on ‘our’ game
Despite Elaina Vatcky pulling one back on the stroke of half time, Boroondara proved too powerful, as further goals to Quigley and Gummer – and what a goal it was – as well as a richly deserved header for Emma Hubbard saw the match finish 6-2.
Technical Director Manny Koutroulis singled out Hubbard for praise.
“If I can reserve praise I would have to single out Emma Hubbard because she was a terrific focal point at number nine; we played through her a lot and she brought players into the game,” Koutroulis said.
“She just had a trial recently with the New Zealand U/20’s. A home-grown product for Boroondara and now staring at international football hopefully and playing really well at WPL so we’re very proud of that story.”
Continue Reading > Belief the key for Eagles says Koutroulis