VPL Round 13 Team of the Week

Stuart Munro returned to his old side and kicked things off with a dour but heartening scoreless draw against Bentleigh who have now misfired in their last three competitive games.

The Greens produced some quality football against Melbourne Victory midweek, although the VPL is priority and John Anastasiadis’s boys must improve if they are to catch Northcote.

In the Corner Flag’s Friday night feature, Port Melbourne hosted the Oakleigh Cannons who were looking to build on a strong showing against Northcote.

The Sharks never really clicked into gear and were shot down by Miron Bleiberg’s Cannons thanks to goals from Veton Korkari and Goran Zoric.

Saturday’s only fixture saw Green Gully tackle Hume City. A profligate cavaliers side wasted chance after chance as Ersin Kaya popped up to snatch the upset 2-1 win for Hume ten minutes from time.

On Sunday the Melbourne Knights again proved watertight at the back and kept their third straight clean sheet against a floundering Richmond side. Marijan Cvitkovic snagged the winner on 78 minutes.

Chris Taylor’s Thunder-flavoured South Melbourne side were held to a 2-2 draw by the lowly Southern Stars in the match of the round. It was another tale of wastefulness in front of goal for both sides as chances went begging in a lively affair.

Lastly, Northcote City survived another big scare against a gritty Pascoe Vale outfit. Featuring in last week’s TOTW, James Kalifatidis was dismissed in the first half leaving his side with ten men.

Vale took the lead in the second stanza only for Kalifatidis’ partner in crime Milos Lujic to snatch a point after the visitors went ahead through Marco Santilli.

Interestingly some of the players mentioned in last week’s team delivered even better performances than what earned them spots last week, whilst others had lacklustre games.

***

Alistair Bray – Bentleigh Greens
although receiving aid from a goalkeeper’s best friend (the woodwork), Bray kept another clean sheet and pulled off an incredible one on one save that preserved a point for his side. His ability time his charges and distribute the ball effectively from hand and foot in addition to superb shot stopping are the reasons why VPL Golden Glove winner Stuart Webster has been forced to join State 2 side Doveton.

Craig Elvin – Dandenong Thunder
The Dandy centre back features again this week and deservedly so. Striding out from the back to repeatedly intercept balls and deconstruct the opposition’s passing game, Elvin also used his experience to draw fouls and relieve any pressure Bentleigh tried to put on the reigning premiers.

Mathew Sanders – Green Gully
The versatile Green Gully player had a good game at left back. Not shy to get forward, “the Colonel” was creative but couldn’t find the secret recipe to help his side take all three points.

Wayne Wallace – Bentleigh Greens
Wallace was everywhere. The skipper worked tirelessly in midfield, launching into tackles, blocking shots, setting up attacks in a standout performance. On occasions his final ball lacked a touch of quality, but his presence and influence on the contest was enormous.

Steven Topalovic – Dandenong Thunder
If Dandenong Thunder has any hope of defending their premiership, this man will undoubtedly play a massive part. After dominating the centre of the park last week, “Toppa” took it up another gear against the second placed Greens with another combative and dynamic box to box performance. The challenge now is for him to remain fit and maintain his supreme form.

Adrian Talarico – Pascoe Vale
Handled the usually rampant Northcote attack quite well in defense. Also managed to setup the goal for Marco Santilli with a raking ball to Liam Flynn and looked solid for most of the game.

Goran Zoric – Oakleigh Cannons
After being beaten to the left winger’s spot last week, Zoric turned in another vibrant display against Port Melbourne. Late in the second half, the popular speedster wrapped up the three points for the Cannons with a classy curling strike into the top corner from 20 yards.

Ersin Kaya – Hume City
Played on the right flank and had an intriguing battle with Matthew Sanders at left back. Both players had great games but it was Kaya who got the last laugh and headed home a smash and grab winner on 80 minutes.

Nicky Soolsma – South Melbourne
The Flying Dutchman toyed with Southern Stars’ fragile defence at times and looks like he will prove a shrewd pickup for South Melbourne. Started on the right and was damaging, but lost impetus when moved centrally after Trent Rixon was substituted.

Alan Kearney – South Melbourne
the Irishman was a standout in the middle of the park and rounded off his display with a well-taken goal. Under a new coach, this is the sort of performance that will make a good impression as Taylor establishes his first eleven.

Marijan Cvitkovic – Melbourne Knights
Slotted home the winner for the wasteful Knights. Pulled some strings in an attacking midfield role and now faces a big test against the rock solid Northcote City.

SUBS

Peter Gavalas – South Melbourne
the South Melbourne goalkeeper came to his side’s rescue late in the game with some crucial saves, ensuring Stars went home remaining the only winless team in the 2013 season.

Cristian Cristea – Southern Stars
The new signing for Stars made an instant impact with a crisp finish to put his side in front against South Melbourne. Unfortunately he was unable to continue after half time, piking up a knock late in the first period.

Mathew Miller – Dandenong Thunder
The 16 year old full back was rushed into the side after Dandenong were only notified that Bryan Bran had left just hours before kickoff but handled himself ever so well. Remained calm on the ball and made things tough for David Stirton.

Veton Korcari – Oakleigh Cannons
The mercurial forward opened his account for his new club after capitalising on a calamity at the back by Port Melbourne. He looked in good touch, and although lacking match fitness and sharpness he was still the key man going forward.

Contributions from Luisito, Tim McGlone, Daniel Quinn, Shaun Moran & David Manuca