NPL Victoria Men’s: Like a boss
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
The reigning champions, Oakleigh Cannons, finally clinched their first win of the new season. Chris Taylor’s “cannons” stormed through Port Melbourne’s home ground, putting an end to their mini-slump of the first two matchdays, where they failed to grab the full three points.
In the Friday night clash, the champions came out with a clear intent to seize control of the game from the get-go. And that’s exactly what they did.
Their attacking approach paid off early, as the visitors started creating chances from the opening minutes of the “duel.”
In the 22nd minute, they even managed to score through Kusimovic, but the young, talented striker’s goal was ruled offside.
However, the home team’s luck ran out four minutes later.
In the 26th minute, the Oakleigh side broke the deadlock with a goal from Jordan Hall.
As if that wasn’t enough for the home side Sharks, two minutes later, the Cannons’ new leader, Joe Knowles, doubled his team’s goals, effectively sealing the game right there.
The home team lacked both the quality and the stamina to fight back, leading to a relatively dull and uneventful second half.
This victory is sure to “loosen” the champions’ legs, who now hope for a run filled with wins.
Among the other matches of the matchday, we singled out Preston Lions’ easily predictable 1-0 win against Altona Magic, as well as Avondale’s impressive away victory over Melbourne Knights with a score of 1-3. The Italian Australians seem to be on an unstoppable roll in these first three matchdays of the new season, clearly indicating that they will once again be among the teams vying for the championship until the very end.
Heidelberg United, with a performance that exuded confidence and control, cruised to a decisive 2-1 victory over St Albans Saints at their home ground. The win not only solidified their position as a top contender in the NPL Victoria Men’s league but also sent a clear message to their rivals: Heidelberg is a force to be reckoned with.
The match began with Heidelberg asserting their dominance early on. In the 11th minute, a masterclass in teamwork and precise passing culminated in Bul Juach calmly slotting the ball into the net, giving Heidelberg a 1-0 lead. The goal was a testament to the team’s cohesive play and attacking prowess, leaving the St Albans defense reeling.
Just nine minutes later, the prolific Asahi Yokokawa, a name synonymous with excellence in the league, showcased his exceptional talent once again. With a clinical finish, Yokokawa doubled Heidelberg’s advantage, reminding everyone why he is considered one of the best players in the competition. The crowd erupted, acknowledging the brilliance of the moment and the team’s relentless pursuit of victory.
St Albans managed to pull one back before the halftime whistle, with Emmanuel Peters finding the net. However, this proved to be a mere consolation as Heidelberg’s defense, resolute and well-organized, effectively shut down any further attempts from the home side in the second half. The second period was a masterclass in defensive resilience, with Heidelberg displaying tactical discipline and unwavering focus.
The victory was not just about the scoreline; it was a statement of intent. With this win, Heidelberg United has closed the gap on league leaders Avondale to a mere three points, igniting the race for the championship. The team’s performance, marked by strategic brilliance and individual brilliance, has undoubtedly boosted morale and instilled a sense of belief among players and fans alike.
VPL1
Bentleigh Greens were just amazing against the Eastern Lions. George Katsakis’s squad came out like a pack of wolves against… lions. They dictated the tempo from the whistle, played some seriously slick football at times, and banged in five goals, turning their third match of the 2025 season into a demolition job.
Friday night at Leonidas Stadium was a battle for the ages! The Greek Australian boys hosted Western United NPL in a clash that turned into a non-stop display of hunger from both sides. But neither gladiator could land the knockout blow, with the final whistle blowing on a 2-2 deadlock.
The clash between Northcote City and Melbourne City NPL had everything but goals. Both teams left it all on the pitch, but couldn’t unlock the opposition’s defense, leaving the scoreboard blank at full-time.
VPL2
Pythagoras is back! The Box Hill team took three games, but finally tasted sweet victory in a massive derby against Nunawading. The Greek Australian side snatched a 1-0 win thanks to a beauty from their main man, Ruben Sanchez Marcano.
NPL – Results
Green Gully – Hume City 1 – 1 (41’ Α. Abdallah [π] – 12’ H. Ascrof)
Melbourne Knights – Avondale 1 – 3 (85’ F. Dunlop – 26’ M. Aguek, 67’ K. Trajeski, 84’ S. Zinni)
Port Melbourne Sharks – Oakleigh Cannons 0 – 2 (26’ J. Hall, 28’ J. Knowles)
Dandenong Thunder – Dandenong City 2 – 2 (19’ H. Jalloh, 45+1’ K. Taylor – 7’ T. Gianakopoulos, 90+8’ G. Lambadaridis)
Preston Lions – Altona Magic 1 – 0 (41’ L. Brooks)
St Albans Saints – Heidelberg United 1 – 2 (45’ E. Peters – 11’ B. Juach, 20’ A. Yokokawa)
Melbourne Victory NPL – South Melbourne (This game was played on Monday night)
NPL – Standings
1. Avondale 3 9
2. Preston Lions 3 7
3. South Melbourne 2 6
4. Heidelberg Utd 3 6
5. Oakleigh Cannons 3 4
6. Dand Thunder 3 4
7. Hume City 3 4
8. Altona Magic 3 4
9. Dand City 3 3
10. Melb Knights 3 3
11. Green Gully 3 2
12. Mel Victory NPL 3 1
13. St. Albans 3 1
14. Port Melb Sharks 3 0
VPL1 – Results
Mannigham United – Melbourne Srbija 2 – 2
Brunswick City – Western United 2 – 2
Northcote City – Melbourne City 0 – 0
Bentleigh Greens – Eastern Lions 5 – 0
North Sunshine Eagles – Moreland City 5 – 0
Kingston City – Langwarrin (This game was played on Monday night)
VPL1 – Standings
1. Western Utd 3 7
2. Northcote 3 7
3. North Sunshine 3 6
4. Bentl Greens 3 6
5. Brunswick City 3 5
6. Manningham 3 5
7. Melb City 3 5
8. Bulleen Lions 2 3
9. Carol Springs 2 3
10. Kingston 2 3
11. Melbourne SRBIJA 3 2
12. Langwarrin 2 0
13. Eastern Lions 3 0
14. Moreland 3 0
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
