NPL Victoria Men’s: All the action at Port Melbourne this week
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
The new season has kicked off, and the first two rounds have already proved everyone right who was shouting all summer that this season would be full of thrills and spectacular football.
The match with the most intense “blue and white” interest is none other than the clash between Port Melbourne and the reigning champs Oakleigh Cannons.
Port Melbourne, still searching for their first league points, will host the Cannons, who are also hungry for their first win. The Sharks are coming off an away defeat at the hands of Avondale, while the Cannons were forced to share the points at Green Gully after a 1-1 draw. Expect both teams to come out firing – they’ll be desperate for a result. Kick-off is scheduled for 8.15pm this Friday, February 22.
Hellas will be gunning for their third straight win this week. South Melbourne has started the season in top form. After their first-round victory against the Sharks, they managed to overcome another formidable opponent. Last Monday night, the Greek Australian team hosted Melbourne Knights in a derby steeped in Victorian football history.
Esteban Quintas’ men showed their teeth from the opening whistle, seizing control of the match early on. In the 34th minute, their dominance paid off when new signing, Giorgos Meletlidis (or George Mells), found the back of the net. Three minutes later, Bonada doubled the lead, setting the stage for a crucial victory. That’s how the two teams headed into the sheds at halftime.
The 3-0 lead was sealed by another new signing, the towering Gustav Molier, who scored his first official goal for Hellas in the 66th minute, burying any hopes the visitors had of a comeback. All the Knights could muster was a consolation goal by Mark Petheriotis in the 67th minute, making it 3-1.
This week, South Melbourne will travel to face the young and always dangerous Melbourne Victory NPL side. The match is scheduled for Monday night, February 24, at 8.30pm.
Alexandros, under the guidance of Yannis Anastasiadis, will be aiming to continue their strong run this week.
The “yellow and blacks” might have had a few nervy moments in the second half against Victory last week, but they also showed some serious grit and class – a testament to the positive impact the veteran coach has had on the team.
This week, Heidelberg United travels west of Melbourne to face the tough-as-nails St Albans Saints.
The home side will be desperate for a win, as they’ve had a rough start to the season with a loss and a draw in their first two games.
However, the visitors have the quality and experience to overcome the “Saints” hurdle and climb even higher up the ladder.
VPL1 – A Feast of Footy This Week
The second round of the VPL1 promises some cracking matches with something for every fan.
The action kicks off Friday night with three absolute nail-biters.
At 8pm, Brunswick City hosts Western United NPL in a game set to be a real end-to-end battle, decided by which team can bring the most hustle and heart to the pitch.
Half an hour later, it’s game on at Iraklis ground as Northcote City takes on Melbourne City NPL. At the same time, down in Cheltenham, Bentleigh Greens faces off against Eastern Lions.
For our Greek Australian community teams, the spotlight shines on Monday night when Kingston City welcomes Langwarrin in a clash that’s sure to be a throwback to the good old days.
VPL2 – Derby Day for Pythagoras
A historic local derby awaits Box Hill United this week.
The Box Hill boys host Nunawading on Friday night, February 21, determined to grab their first win of the season. The Greek Australian side hasn’t managed a point in their first two outings, so they’ll be hungry to turn things around.
NPL – Fixtures
Friday, 21/2
Green Gully – Hume City 7.30 pm
Melbourne Knights – Avondale 7.30 pm
Port Melbourne Sharks – Oakleigh Cannons 8.15 pm
Saturday, 22/2
Dandenong Thunder – Dandenong City 7.00 pm
Sunday, 23/2
St Albans Saints – Heidelberg United 5.00 pm
Monday, 24/2
Melbourne Victory NPL – South Melbourne 8.30 pm
NPL – Ladder
Teams | Played | Points
1. Avondale 2 6
2. South Melbourne 2 6
3. Preston Lions 2 4
4. Altona Magic 2 4
5. Dand Thunder 1 3
6. Heidelberg Utd 2 3
7. Hume City 2 3
8. Melb Knights 1 3
9. Dand City 2 2
10. St. Albans 2 1
11. Green Gully 2 1
12. Oakleigh Cannons 2 1
13. Mel Victory NPL 2 1
14. Port Melb Sharks 2 0
VPL1 – Fixture
Friday, 21/2
Brunswick City – Western United 8.00pm
Northcote City – Melbourne City 8.30pm
Bentleigh Greens – Eastern Lions 8.30pm
Saturday, 22/2
North Sunshine Eagles – Moreland City 3.00pm
Monday, 24/2
Kingston City – Langwarrin 7.30pm
VPL1 – Ladder
Teams | Played | Points
1. Western Utd 2 6
2. Northcote 2 6
3. Brunswick City 2 4
4. Manningham 2 4
5. Melb City 2 4
6. Bulleen Lions 2 3
7. North Sunshine 2 3
8. Bentl Greens 2 3
9. Carol Springs 2 3
10. Kingston 2 3
11. Melbourne SRBIJA 2 1
12. Eastern Lions 2 0
13. Moreland 2 0
14. Langwarrin 2 0
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
