The second half of the season kicked off with a remarkable eight penalties awarded. There were three at Oakleigh, three at Dandenong, one at Richmond and Hume on Friday and Sunday respectively. By all accounts, there could have been several more with plenty of controversial moments occurring inside the eighteen yard box. On top of that, there have been a number of player signings, coach departures, and much more in arguably the most entertaining round this season (except if you went to Hosken Reserve).
The robust Knights were held to a scoreless draw by Pascoe Vale, Andrew Marth left to lament more refereeing decisions that went against his side.
Chris Taylor left Dandenong to take the reins at South Melbourne after Gus Tsolakis ended his unsuccessful tenure but couldn’t get off the mark as Green Gully produced another efficient performance.
Dandenong took a much needed three points from bottom placed Southern Stars who yet again managed to fluff glorious chances.
Bentleigh outplayed their opponents once more, but still haven’t found a way to beat Richmond, missing an opportunity to make up ground on Northcote; the league leaders played out a thoroughly entertaining 2-2 draw away to Oakleigh, who continue to improve after a very slow start to the season.
Port Melbourne remain undefeated away from home and accounted for a Hume City side looking bereft of confidence.
***
Lewis Italiano (Oakleigh Cannons)
Definitely deserving of a place in the team last week (if there was one) after some stunning stops against Melbourne Knights, this week the Wellington-bound keeper kept out a penalty from Kalifatidis and pulled off a handful of acrobatic saves to thwart the unbeaten league leaders and highlight why he has earned his A-League contract.
Amadu Koroma (Port Melbourne)
Amadu Koroma was influential at right back for Port Melbourne who have now kept a second straight clean sheet. Solid defensively and promising going forward, the versatile Sierra Leonean-born refugee who began his career kicking a ball of old rags is beginning to make a name for himself in the VPL.
Craig Elvin (Dandenong Thunder)
Such is the level of consistency from this man that he only tends to be spoken about when he has a bad game. One of the best central defenders in the VPL, he made countless tackles and interceptions whenever the Stars looked to go forward as well as connecting with nearly every pass. While Rexhepi wears the captain’s armband, no one can doubt the level of leadership and composure Elvin brings to the team.
Adam Zilic (Melbourne Knights)
Man of the match last week, Zilic has been a rock in recent fixtures. Not the largest of central defenders going around, he reads the play superbly and positions himself well. He will be looking to lead the Knights to a third clean sheet in a row against Richmond at Knight Stadium.
Luke Burgess (Southern Stars)
Having only played his first two VPL games in this round and last, Burgess has been extremely solid in a frail Southern Stars backline. Not shy to lunge into a tackle, the 19 year old nullified Jamie De Abreu last week and kept Nate Foster to minimal productivity this week. His only mistake in two games was to foul the Canadian and gift Rexhepi his second goal from the spot.
Steven Topalovic (Dandenong Thunder)
All-action midfield performance. Recovered possession frequently for the home side and was never far from the ball. Provided the Dandenong midfield with strength, energy & athleticism that was missing last week against Green Gully.
Dusan Bosnjak (Oakleigh Cannons)
The Cannons’ number eight was dynamic and in addition to his composed goal from the penalty spot, he beat two defenders down the right flank before setting up Oakleigh’s second goal. His control in tight spaces on a treacherous surface was excellent.
Osagie Ederaro (Green Gully)
The left-sided midfielder was instrumental in Green Gully’s 3-1 victory over South Melbourne at Lakeside Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Ederaro got on the end of a Jason Hayne cross to open the scoring for Gully and was a constant threat for the South Melbourne defence. He would have had a second too if not for some brilliant goalkeeping by Peter Gavalas.
Graham Hockless (Port Melbourne)
Former Green Gully star Hockless led his Port Melbourne side to yet another away victory. The SEDA teacher showed his prowess from dead ball situations with a magnificent free kick and a well taken penalty in the first half, shooting the Sharks into third place above their opponents Hume City. If Port do manage to make it into the finals, his experience will surely be invaluable.
Andy Vlahos (South Melbourne)
The veteran attacker silenced his critics with a thumping free-kick into the top right corner and looked dangerous all afternoon. The ex-Hume player coach probably should have added to his tally, but put in an accomplished performance nonetheless.
James Kalifatidis (Northcote City)
He led the line superbly for Northcote, combining well with Lujic and Mahazi. He always looked to make things happened with his first touch, contributing to an exciting game against the cannons. Coolly slotted home a spot kick before missing his second, but made amends with a well-taken close range finish to equalise. The top three scoring players in the league are all from Northcote: Lujic (10) Piemonte (7) and Kalifatidis (7)
SUBS:
Hewad Safi (Southern Stars)
The 16-year-old making his first senior football appearance had a great game between the posts. With Shane Rexhepi’s two spot kicks aside, Safi didn’t look like he was going to be beaten all night. Two outstanding close range saves to deny Feston Azizi and Bryan Bran capped off a memorable debut for the youngster.
Goran Zoric (Oakleigh Cannons)
Stormed down the left wing all night, giving Kristian Konstantinidis a busy evening. Two chances in the first ten minutes drew routine saves from Petropoulos, both coming from Veton Korcari’s setup play. The two seem to have established an immediate understanding, showing promise for Oakleigh. The ex-White Eagles man should have been awarded a penalty when he was blatantly brought down in the box, but incredibly no foul was given with even Northcote amazed at the decision.
Jason Hayne (Green Gully)
Supplied the cross for Ederaro’s goal and got on the scoresheet himself after being played in by Hamid Basma. Sometimes not the most energetic of players, Hayne has been a sound contributor in a Gully side that never seems far away from success.
Mathew Theodore (Dandenong Thunder)
Showing sublime technique and skill, Theodore had the ball on a string for most of the game. The diminutive but extremely talented midfielder danced past numerous Souther Stars players , working well with Steven Topalovic who anchored midfield and allowed the former Altona man plenty of freedom.
Adrian Chiapetta (Northcote City)
Despite his side conceding two goals, the Northcote captain was commanding at the back. A goal line clearance and aerial dominance capped off the sort of display that illustrates why his side have only concede a goal every second game on average.
Contributions from Tim McGlone, David Manuca, Shaun Moran