Photo: John Punshon
The race for automatic promotion in the NPL2 East continues to tighten after a week which saw both Melbourne City and Dandenong Thunder gain ground on top dogs Dandenong City, who were held to an entertaining score draw with Murray United. The former was able to snap a two-game losing streak to record victory against Nunawading City, whilst the Thunder had Brandon Barnes to thank once again, with his hat-trick against Goulburn Valley Suns proving match winning.
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There was plenty of entertainment on show at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex on Saturday afternoon as Murray United held league leaders Dandenong City to a 2-2 draw.
Oddly enough it was former Melbourne Victory teammates Mate Dugandzic and Archie Thompson exchanged blows before the break.
Thomspon opened the scoring by fooling his opposition defender, before chipping one past Damir Salcin in goals for his second goal of the campaign.
The equaliser came moments before the break when Dugandzic pounced on a misplaced defensive header, volleying in a thunderbolt beyond Abdulkerim Koc’s reach.
There were volleys and chips aplenty throughout as Shaun Filipovic got in on the action, sending a left-footed effort over the keeper to propel his side into the lead, joining Dugandzic on five goals in 2017.
But the advatage didn’t last long as Salcin had a moment to forget, allowing Chad Bugeja to net his second for the season, with three former A-League men finding the back of the net on the day.
Dandy City now have two draws out of two having not had a draw in their opening eight games, while Murray are unbeaten in their last five.
Dandenong Thunder sit two points off cross-town rivals City for an automatic promotion spot after Brandon Barnes led the side to a 3-1 away win over Goulburn Valley Suns.
The star striker started proceedings in the 23rd minute with a deflected strike, before doubling the advantage just 10 minutes later.
Liam Baxter came off the bench after half time for his fourth appearance in an interrupted season but he forced a goal for his side to halve the deficit.
However it was that man Barnes who secured another hat-trick (ninth for club, third of the season) to go clear on top of the goal-scorers charts and takes tally to 13, including seven goals from last three fixtures.
The 3-1 result means the Suns miss their chance to leapfrog Thunder into third and keep pressure on to two, suffering their first home loss since Round One, but still occupy fourth on goal difference ahead of Springvale and Murray.
Melbourne City broke a two-game losing streak to record a much-needed win over Nunawading City, which helps keep pressure on Dandy City at the top of the table.
They didn’t have it all their way throughout the 90, with Nunawading first taking the lead in the 19th minute via Devon Bonne who netted for the second week running, his fourth in total for the season.
However Anthony Theodoropoulos scored first senior goal for city at NPL level to peg the deficit back via a cross from Gerrie Sylaidos.
Sylaidos was electric for City in the win, continuing his strong form for the campaign and getting the go-ahead goal after the break – his sixth for the season – after linking well with Lucas Derrick.
Despite Nunawading’s best efforts they were unable to turn the deficit back around, with Nathaniel Atkinson capping off proceedings with his second goal of the year – Sylaidos again involved via a cutback assist.
It was more heartbreak for Box Hill United who slipped to a dramatic late defeat away to Springvale White Eagles.
A last-gasp penalty for a handball gave Cody Martindale the opportunity to snap the White Eagles’ six-game losing streak and he made no mistake from the spot.
The result leaves Box Hill four points behind ninth-place Richmond and still only on three goals for the campaign.
The round’s first fixture took place all the way back on Thursday, with Richmond returning to the winners circle for the first time in three weeks by registering a 2-0 win over Eastern Lions.
The clash saw an early flashpoint, as Lions keeper Hugh-James Thomas sent off 15 minutes into his senior debut for handling outside the area, reducing visitors to 10 men.
It took until the second half for Richmond to make their one-man advantage count as Valli Cesnik netted his first senior goal in the 49th minute.
He then turned provider for the sealer, crossing in for Ratip Cileli to nod home and help Richmond to their second win in three games.
The result lifts Richmond into touching distance with mid-table, but still sit just four points off bottom.