Follow @SeanEllicott on Twitter
Round 10 threw up some massive results as some NPL strugglers picked up some all important points. Melbourne Knights snapped their losing streak by overcoming Port Melbourne 3-1 whilst Green Gully also picked up some valuable points as they beat Hume 3-0. The biggest surprise however came in the first game of the round as second last placed Pascoe Vale fought valiantly to end Oakleigh Cannons undefeated streak as they won 2-0 at home.
It was a case of as you were for South Melbourne who extended their winning streak into double digits, whilst Dandenong Thunder also returned to winning ways. Northcote’s 3-0 result against Goulburn Valley rounded off proceedings, ensuring that a maximum 21 points were won across the seven games around Victoria.
Continue Reading > The Week That Was 28.5.14
Starting XI (4-4-2 Diamond):
GK – Tommy Dunn (Werribee City):
It appears that any goalkeeper lining up against South Melbourne this season is in for a busy day, and didn’t Werribee City’s Tommy Dunn find out? The shot stopper was in fine form, maintaing the scoreline at a respectable 1-0 with some vital saves.
LB – Tim Mala (South Melbourne):
South’s right back finds himself on the opposite side of defence this week, just edged out by Anthony Colosimo in his preferred position. Mala put together strong performance at the back for South, most notably with an important goal line clearance early in the game. The defender was also impressive going forward, carrying the ball up the field on a few occasions with equally impressive distribution from the flank.
CB – Steven Pace (Heidelberg United):
Three consecutive selections in the Team of the Week just goes to show what sort of form Heidelberg’s centre back is in. It was the Bergers forwards earning our attention earlier in the season but its the defence with Pace leading the way, taking on a greater mantle as captain and fellow centre back Luke Byles was withdrawn after 18 minutes with an injury. The former Victory defender was superb for the entire 90 minutes as he repelled Bentleigh’s late push towards goal.
CB – Nathan Megic (Pascoe Vale):
Pascoe Vale’s centre half made a significant contribution towards his sides victory and Oakleigh’s first loss this season. The defender along with his back four were immense in dampening Oakleigh’s threat on goal, hardly looking vulnerable as the visitors struggled to break down Vale, often forced to shoot from distance.
RB – Anthony Colosimo (Melbourne Knights):
The full back played a vital role in Knights’ first win in two months. Colosimo was instrumental in his sides second half turn around, clawing back the 1-0 deficit as he assisted Daniel Visevic whilst burying Port Melbourne with two of his own well taken goals late in the game.
LW – Davey van’t Schip (Pascoe Vale):
The lively winger showed all his class against Oakleigh on Friday, scoring his sides second in a quality performance. The Melbourne Heart youth product covered plenty of territory, epitomised by his marvellous solo run completed by an audacious chip in what was one of the best goals you’ll see all year.
CAM – James Kalifatidis (Northcote City):
Kalifatidis was best on ground for Northcote as his side defeated Golburn Valley Suns 3-0. He was everywhere for the hosts, receiving plenty of the ball coupled by superb distribution. His deflected free-kick furthermore led the the clinching goal that would take the game out of the visitors reach.
CM – Iqi Jawadi (South Melbourne):
One of South’s best against Werribee, the midfielders best contribution came via a piercing through ball which teed up Milos Lujic for South’s only goal. Aside from that, Jawadi delivered his usual best with an entertaining brand of football, leading the midfield to victory.
RW – Daniel Visevic (Melbourne Knights):
Close to best on field for Melbourne as they slowly steered the wayward ship back on course. Visevic toiled away conjuring plenty of opportunities and shots on goal in the hopes of resurrecting the Knights season. Netting his sides all important first goal and equaliser, Visevic was instrumental in Knights first win in eight rounds before being substituted with what appeared to be a minor injury.
FWD – Milos Lujic (South Melbourne):
It’s becoming a case of ‘he shoots, he scores’ for South’s weapon up front. Here at the Corner Flag we are starting to lose count of how many appearances this man has made in our Team of the Week as Lujic backs up impressive performances week in, week out. This time round, he found the one and only goal for his side against Werribee, displaying his class and quality with a fine finish.
FWD – Trent Rixon (Northcote City):
Like his strike partner in Round 10s edition, Rixon is no stranger to our Team of the Week. The forward showed just how good of an acquisition he’s been for Northcote on Sunday afternoon, wreaking havoc with his surprising pace and bustling runs towards the Suns defence. Rixon also slammed home his sides third and final goal, ensuring City’s return to winning ways.
BENCH:
Jason Saldarlis (South Melbourne):
South’s good form doesn’t just continue at the front end of the park with Saldarlis collecting his sixth clean sheet of the season against Werribee on Sunday afternoon. Comanding his penalty area, the custodian earns a spot for replicating his consistent and reliable form so far this season.
Matt Millar (Dandenong Thunder):
The youngster was in fine form again for Dandenong on Saturday night, coming off the bench and providing two assists to put the game beyond doubt. Coming in off the left, Millar assisted both of Jake Nakic’s goals.
Andy Vargas (Green Gully):
A workman like performance from the Green Gully captain who worked tirelessly through the middle. He laid on the assist for the opening goal in Gully’s shock 3-0 win over Hume City and had a glorious chance to extend the lead soon after, but his glancing header flew wide of the post.
Stipo Andrijasevic (Goulburn Valley Suns):
A bright spark in an otherwise glum day for Goulburn Valley, the forward threatened Northcote’s goal on a number of occasions. If things had of gone his sides way in the first half, Andrijasevic would surely have been there to capitalise.
Liam McCormick (Bentleigh Greens):
McCormick was particularly impressive in central midfield after Luc Jeggo was substituted early in the game with an injury. Taking the vacant midfield responsibilities upon himself, McCormick strung together a sturdy and reliable performance as one of Bentleigh’s best, more so notable as the Greens failed to create any chances after his substitution.
Matthew Sanders (Green Gully):
Matthew Sanders finds himself incredibly unlucky to miss out on a spot in the starting XI after his sublime performance in Gully’s win over Hume. The forward was dangerous throughout, and whilst a little wayward with his finishing, the goal he did score was delectable, hitting the ball on the turn after using his chest to turn his defender.
Special thanks to David Manuca (@davidmanuca), Shaun Moran (@moranshaun), Bill Molloy (@Bill_Molloy94), Rory Flanagan (@Rory_Flanagan) and Chris Hearn (@_ChrisHearn) for their assistance.