VPL Wrap- Round 5

Nick Curtis (L) and Jake Nakic (R)
Photo: Melbourne Knights

Greens edge out injury-plagued Knights 
Bentleigh Greens have edged out an injury-plagued Melbourne Knights side 1-0, at Kingston Heath Reserve on Friday night.
Bentleigh looked the brighter of the two sides in the opening minutes and should have scored on 8 minutes but Luke O’Dea and Evan Batsis failed to link up.
But two minutes later Greens did open the scoring through Scott Bulloch. O’Dea found Bulloch out wide, before the former Perth Glory midfielder rounded Knights’ ‘keeper Matt Hrastov and finished on the acute angle.
Unfortunately Bulloch was substituted on 25 minutes with an injury, and that was how exciting the game got as neither side created any more chances in first period.
Despite Greens controlling the possession Knights’ had the best chance of the second-half. Jake Nakic played in Louis Fenton, and with Bentleigh ‘keeper Lawrence Thomas charging out, the New Zealander could only chip wide.


Wasteful Oakleigh controversially denied
A wasteful Oakleigh Cannons outfit were denied victory by a Michael Chatzitrifonos-less Richmond side, as both sides fought out a 1-1 draw, which had plenty of controversy.
On just 11 minutes Oakleigh thought they opened the scoring. Ricky Diaco shot from the edge of the box but unfortunately the former Melbourne Victory’s strike hit the post. Jesse Krncevic was at hand to tap home on the follow-up; however the Assistant Referee flagged for offside.
Cannons, in the first-half, were looking the far better of the two sides with their short and quick passing game.
The taller Oakleigh outfit were dangerous on set-pieces and the Cannons took advantage of that. Aristidis Drakos whipped in a corner, but unluckily for the hosts Luke Walker’s header hit the base of the post.
But despite dominating the first-half Cannons went into half-time behind as Daniel Visevic was clipped from behind inside the box, before referee Patrick Chaplin pointed to the spot. Michael Ferrante, who had his suspension overturned, stepped up and sent Lewis Italiano the wrong way. 
The Cannons looked the brighter of sides in the opening minutes of the second-half and Diaco was always the man on the end of the build up, but couldn’t direct his efforts on target.

Ricky Diaco

Diaco was denied once again on 67 minutes, but this time thanks to a wonderful save from Richmond ‘keeper Stjepan Gal. That seemed to be the story of the hosts’ game as they wasted a number of chances.
With seven minutes to go Richmond should have finished off the Cannons, but after substitute Nick Marinos rounded Italiano, Ramazan Tavsancioglu kept the hosts in it with a brilliant goal-line save.
On the edge of stoppage-time Diaco thought he won it for the hosts as he found the net with a stunning, curling free-kick, but the referee ruled it out because the free-kick was an indirect free-kick and Diaco struck it directly.
However in the third minute of stoppage-time Diaco and Cannons did equalise when the burly striker fired low into the net past Gal.
Oakleigh Coach Huss Skenderovic definitely believed his side should have taken all three points.
“We should have won very convincingly. I think it was a game where we definitely controlled proceedings, but at the end of the day I think it was one of our better performances,” Skenderovic said. 


Stars shock South
Southern Stars have shocked South Melbourne 2-0 at Lakeside Stadium on Friday night, with goals from Mark Leech and Yanni Galanos.
Stars were on the front foot early on and Alan Kearney tried an ambitious volley, but it flew just wide of Peter Gavalas’ upright.
South was struggling to create chances, but their first real chance came via Fernando De Moraes who volleyed from six yards. However Frazer Siddall made a fantastic save before the woodwork denied the Brazilian.
Just before the break the visitors opened the scoring. Leech was found on the half was line, before gliding an effort over Gavalas from outside of the box.
Just after the break South pushed for an equaliser, but the woodwork denied South once again, this time, Glen Trifiro.
Stars sealed the win on 57 minutes as Galanos capitalized on Dimi Tsiaris’ poor clearance.
Kyle Joryeff was brought on to offer a spark and almost did soon after, but the Englishman’s curling effort was off target.
The loud and large contingent of Stars fans went home the happiest with all three points, whereas South would be very disappointed.


Zebras robbed victory 
A controversial penalty call has robbed the Moreland Zebras of victory against Green Gully, as Gully finished 2-1 victors, at Green Gully Reserve on Saturday.
Zebras were the brighter of the two sides during the first-half and Zebras’ midfielder Daniel Vasilevski could have opened the scoring with a stunning drive, but Nikola Roganovic made a great save to deny the former South Melbourne midfielder. 
On 25 minutes Zebras deservedly took the lead. Moreland Skipper Carl Recchia got on the end of Steven Weir’s great corner and headed home a bullet header past Roganovic. 
Stuart Nicholson should have extended that lead five minutes later after a great run, but fired wide and high.
Gully controlled the majority of the second-half as Zebras’ goalkeeper Griffin McMaster made a number of good saves to deny Jason Hayne and Joel Nikolic.
But on 54 minutes Kole Delev was adjudged to have pulled down Brent Fisher inside the box, despite the Assistant Referee flagging for offside. Jason Hayne duly stepped up and equalised.
That decision damaged Moreland’s confidence and the boys in black and white stripes failed to regain their edge. 
The hosts wasted a huge chance to take the lead through Osagie Ederaro, who fired over the crossbar.
But with six minutes to go, Mathew Sanders turned before finishing low into the bottom corner, which leaves the Zebras rooted to the bottom of the table.

Thunder continue impressive start
Dandenong Thunder continued their impressive start of the 2012 VPL season with a 3-1 come from behind win over Northcote City, at John Cain Memorial Park on Sunday.
Northcote’s first chance to open the scoring came from the spot on 7 minutes as a Thunder defender handled inside the box. James Kalifatidis stepped up and sent Stewart Webster the wrong way.
The early moments continued at a fast pace as Thunder pushed for an equaliser and did go close with Ross Thompson, after Johnathan Voulgaris was denied by Webster.
Thompson from range was dangerous for Thunder and the former Hume midfielder tried his luck on 17 minutes but, whacked the crossbar.
Veton Korcari followed up immediately and collided with Northcote ‘keeper Theodoridis, which started a fiery push and shove contest involving both sides.
The visitors’ pressure paid off on 20 minutes as Liam Kearney stabbed home from close range to equalised, after Nate Foster did ever so well down the right.
Dandenong continued to attack with Foster and Thompson running rampage as Thompson fancied his chances from distance once again, but to no avail.
Northcote could only muster two half-chances through Milos Lujic and Voulgaris but neither could get past Webster in goals for Dandenong.
Dandenong came out after the break as they just were in the first, with Foster using his pace through the middle. 
And it was Foster who gave the visitors the lead on 51 minutes. Theodoridis could only palm Shane Rexhepi’s header into the path of the Canadian who smashed home from a couple yards out.
The Thunder away fans were in their usual large numbers and cheering Chris Taylor’s side.
And those fans got louder on the hour mark as Korcari was fouled by Kristian Konstantinidis inside the box before; Thompson stepped up and sent Theodoridis the wrong way to make it 3-1.
The visitors could have put more misery on City, however Kearney chipped over, before Hamlet Armenian had a header ruled out for offside.

Hume scores late in come from behind victory
Nick Hegarty scored a later winner for Hume to give the visitors a come from behind 2-1 victory over a winless Heidelberg United outfit.
But it was Heidelberg who opened the scoring on just 3 minutes, after Evan Christodoulou ran through the centre before firing past Chris Oldfield in goals for Hume.
Neither side were able to muster any real clear cut chances in the remaining of the first period.
But the Warriors could have extended their lead early into the second, but Andrew Nabbout headed over.
That would come and bite the hosts on the behind because on 64 minutes Jarryd Barnes lobbed Bergers’ ‘keeper Chris Maine, after nice lead up play from Atilla Ofli.
But the hosts were still in with Sasho Alexovski up front, but the veteran could only fire wide on 76 minutes.
But with five minutes Hume took all three points with a stunning strike from Nick Hegarty. The Englishman was found outside the box, before striking an effort into the top corner, a goal to win any game.


Wrap also here

VPL Wrap- Round 4

Dimi Tsiaras (South Melb) is down and Steve Topalovic is about to crash on top of him , while Timmy Purcell tries some hurdling. Photo: JOHN PUNSHON/ Goal! Weekly

Bentleigh punish Hume in entertaining clash

Bentleigh made it two wins in a week as the Greens defeated Hume City 3-1 in an entertaining clash, at Epping Stadium on Friday night.
In just the third minute Bentleigh opened the scoring. Luke O’Dea’s effort was initially saved by Chris Oldfield, before Philip Arnold slotted the ball into the open net.
Four minutes later the Greens were given a golden chance to double their early lead from the spot. Hume fouled an opponent, amongst a crowded box, from Arnold’s corner. Bulloch stepped up, but Oldfield saved brilliantly to his right. The former Glory midfielder then followed up, but stuck the crossbar.
Bulloch could have finished off the hosts before they even got into the game, but blasted over from a couple yards out.
Nick Hegarty produced the first real chance for City as the Englishman crossed brilliantly for Archie Tomic, but the former Dandenong midfielder headed wide.
On 29 minutes Hume grabbed an equaliser through David Chick. The midfielder pounced on Aron Wilford’s hesitation, before sliding his effort past Greens ‘keeper Lawrence Thomas.
Hegarty for City continued to threat as he was found inside the Bentleigh box, but curled his effort just wide.
And that missed opportunity bit Hume on the behind as Bulloch made up for his missed penalty. The lively midfielder charged inside the box, before finishing with his right foot.
Hume continued to waste their opportunities through Phillip Riccobene, and if the hosts could grab one goal back they would be alive in the game.
But once again City was punished for their woeful finishing.
Arnold capped off a great game with his brace with a thumping effort into the top of the net.
Anthony Skorich went the closest as he could four minutes after coming on, as the former Perth Glory forward hit the post twice inside a minute.
Hume was trying to get back into the game and thought they did on 71 minutes as Pece Siveski headed home. However the Assistant Referee ruled it out for offside, a tight call.

Richmond finish with nine and share the points with South 

Richmond and South Melbourne played out a 1-1 draw, which was a hostile encounter with 11 yellow cards and three red cards handed out, at Kevin Bartlett Reserve on Friday night.
Richmond opened the scoring on 13 minutes through Josh Kweifio-Okai, who continued his great start to the season, with a rifling effort from the edge of the area past Peter Gavalas in goals for South.
But the game was changed just before the half-hour mark when Michael Ferrante was given a straight red card after the majority of both sides got involved in a scuffle.
Subsequently, Richmond coach Michael Chatzitrifonos was sent from the hosts’ bench for his protests.
Just before half-time the extra-man, and coach, was a factor as Trent Rixon rose above Tom Milardovic to head home the equaliser.
Early into the second-half Kweifio-Okai fed the ball to Timmy Purcell who thought he gave the ten-men the lead, but the referee ruled it out for offside.
But Richmond could not conjure many chances in the second-half as South held possession, but the Eagles did defend well.
Richmond’s night was worsened with time ticking down as Liam Cannell was given a second yellow card, so Richmond finished with nine men.
*Thanks to FFV and Neil Zimmerman for the insight.

Cannons snatch victory from Gully

The Oakleigh Cannons have snatched all three points in a 2-1 victory, from a solid Green Gully outfit on a bumpy pitch, at Green Gully Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
The 2011 VPL Grand Final replay started off slowly with the possession shared between the two sides.
Hamid Basma was found at the back post but headed wide, before Frankie Lagana fired wide with his left foot for the Cannons, to create the first chance for their respective club.
On 20 minutes Aristidis Drakos and Cannons’ ‘keeper Daniel Neesham almost conceded a horrendous goal, when the former passed back to the later and the ball bounced up off the pitch, but Ramazan Tavsancioglu cleared at the last moment.
Oakleigh struggled to build up chances in the first-half as Ricky Diaco wasn’t getting the service. However the burly striker made something out of nothing when he won the ball, before Zac Walker blasted over from the edge of the box.
After defending solidly, Green Gully took the lead through Osagie Ederaro.
Rodrigo Vargas was found at the back post but the former Melbourne Victory defender’s header hit the base of the post, before Ederaro subsequently followed up from a couple yards out, to give the hosts the lead.
Five minutes into the second-half Ederaro continued to cause the Cannons defence some havoc. The Nigerian played a lovely chip, in which Jason Hayne ran onto, but Daniel Neesham got down to deny the New Zealander.
Green Gully pushed for a second with Ederaro and Hayne causing problems. However Neesham denied Hayne’s low ball before Ederaro’s lobbed ball crept just wide.
Gully continued to dominate all over the park but on 76 minutes Daniel Jones bundled over Lagana inside the box to concede a penalty. Substitute Jesse Krncevic stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom corner with Rhyss Keane at full reach.
Second-half substitute Andy Vargas looked to liven up the Cavaliers and shot from distance on his left foot, but Neesham reached high to save brilliantly.
With four minutes to go Cannons snatched the lead. Krncevic ran onto a first-time thump on the counter-attack, before finishing past an onrushing Keane from outside of the box.

Stars comeback to share the points

Southern Stars have comeback from a first-half Sasho Alexovski brace to share the points in a 2-2 draw, at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Saturday evening.
And it was Alexovski who should have opened the scoring in just the second minute, but the veteran forward’s free-kick thumped off the crossbar.
But one minute later Mark Leech opened the scoring for Stars. Leech intercepted a poor pass across the face of goal before curling past Chris Mayne.
But after Mayne denied David Striton, Alexovski equalised with a stunning turn and strike, a contender for goal of the season.
On 32 minutes Alexovski gave his side the lead after firing home from an Andy Vlahos cross.
Just before the break Heidelberg had a golden chance to possibly finish off the hosts but, Frazer Siddall made a great save to deny Nick Tzoulis, and that wasted chance would bit United on the behind.
In the second-half Stars grabbed the momentum and that was pinpointed on 70 minutes as Striton headed home an equaliser.
The hosts should have taken all three points through Stirton but the young forward fired just wide of the upright.
So the points were shared and it was in fact Heidelberg’s first point of the season after four games.


Zebras remain rock bottom

Moreland Zebras have remained rock bottom with zero points after four games in the VPL, after runaway leaders Dandenong Thunder defeated the Zebras 3-0 at Epping Stadium on Sunday.
After an even start to the game, Stuart Nicholson for Moreland conjured the first opportunity. The Englishman rounded Stuart Webster before just shooting across the face of goal.
Nate Foster was found in the centre of the park next for Thunder, but Griffin McMaster made a brilliant save to deny the Canadian.
Just before the break Zebras had the best chance of the half with Vincent Faherty, but the Irishman blazed his shot over the crossbar.
On the hour mark Luke Sherbon went close as the forward headed just wide from a Matthew Theodore cross.
But three minutes later they did open the scoring. Foster was found on the counter-attack before picking out Liam Kearney who fired into the bottom corner.
Faherty for the hosts was trying all he could to equalise and even tested Thunder ‘keeper Webster with a lob from the edge of the box. However Webster made a fantastic save to deny the Zebras striker.
But Zebras hopes of coming back were finished off on 84 minutes as Ersin Kaya deflected a Kearny cross into his own net.
And one minute later Foster put the cherry on top as the swift forward finished past McMaster to make it 3-0.


Piemonte, Northcote’s hero over Knights

Dean Piemonte was Northcote City’s hero as City defeated Melbourne Knights 2-1 thanks to Piemonte’s late strike, at Knights Stadium on Sunday.

Jake Nakic
Photo: Melbourne Knigths

After a scrappy start, James Kalifatidis created the first chance for follow strike partner Milos Lujic, but the later could only fire well over.
But just before the break Jonathan Voulgaris opened the scoring after firing past substitute Knights ‘keeper Matthew Hrastov.
Northcote Skipper Adrian Chiappetta could have extended the visitors lead, but could not get his header on target.
The chances for both sides continued to be created but both sides failed to hit the target.
Louis Fenton was next who headed over from a Josip Kozic free-kick.
But on 64 minutes Knights equalised through a delightful overhead kick from Jake Nakic.
The game seemed to be finishing level until Piemonte tried his luck chances from distance and it prevailed, as Northcote travelled back home the happier of the two sides.

Green Gully 1-2 Oakleigh Cannons: Cannons snatch victory from Gully

Green Gully Reserve
Photo: Aus Stadiums

The Oakleigh Cannons have snatched all three points in a 2-1 victory from a solid Green Gully outfit on a bumpy pitch, at Green Gully Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

Gully defended very well until a ten minute period where they conceded twice from Jesse Krncevic.

Gully took the lead on 33 minutes through Osagie Ederaro, before Krncevic equalised from the spot on 77 minutes.

Krncevic stole all three points on 86 minutes to take all three points from the defending champions.

The 2011 VPL Grand Final replay started off slowly with the possession shared between the two sides.

Hamid Basma was found at the back post but headed wide, before Frankie Lagana fired wide with his left foot for the Cannons.

On 20 minutes Aristidis Drakos and Cannons’ ‘keeper Daniel Neesham almost conceded a horrendous goal, when the former passed back to the later and the ball bounced up off the pitch, but Ramazan Tavsancioglu cleared at the last moment.

Oakleigh struggled to build up chances in the first-half as Ricky Diaco wasn’t getting the service. However the burly striker made something out of nothing when he won the ball, before Zac Walker blasted over from the edge of the box.

After defending solidly, Green Gully took the lead through Osagie Ederaro.

Rodrigo Vargas was found at the back post but the former Melbourne Victory defender’s header hit the base of the post, before Osagie Ederaro subsequently followed up from a couple yards out, to give the hosts the lead.

Osagie Ederaro (front)
Photo: Green Gully

Gully continued to control possession and stand strong in defence, whilst applying the pressure in midfield to see out the first-half.

Five minutes into the second-half Ederaro continued to cause the Cannons defence some havoc. The Nigerian played a lovely chip, in which Jason Hayne ran onto, but Daniel Neesham got down to deny the New Zealander.

The early parts of the second-half became scrappy with some aggressive challenges from both sides, but in particular, Lagana who was booked inside the first-half.

Green Gully pushed for a second with Ederaro and Hayne causing problems. However Neesham denied Hayne’s low ball before Ederaro’s lobbed ball crept just wide.

Gully continued to dominate all over the park but on 76 minutes Daniel Jones bundled over Lagana inside the box to concede a penalty. Substitute Jesse Krncevic stepped up and slotted the ball into the bottom corner with Rhyss Keane at full reach.

Jesse Krncevic
Photo: Oakleigh Cannons

Only a couple minutes after conceding, second-half substitute Andy Vargas was denied at the last moment by a Drakos diving tackle.

Andy Vargas looked to liven up the Cavaliers and shot from distance on his left foot, but Neesham reached high to save brilliantly.

With four minutes to go Cannons snatched the lead. Krncevic ran onto a first-time thump on the counter-attack, before finishing past an onrushing Keane from outside of the box.

Green Gully will hope to get back on track when they hosts Moreland Zebras in a fortnight, after hosting St. Albans Saints in the FFV State Knockout Cup on April 28.

Oakleigh Cannons will hope to continue their great start to the season when they host Richmond next in a fortnight, after taking on Monbulk Rangers next week at Jack Edwards in the cup.

Hume City 1-3 Bentleigh Greens: Bentleigh punish Hume in entertaining clash

Epping Stadium, home of Hume City for the 2012 season
Photo: Hume City

Bentleigh made it two wins in a week as the Greens defeated Hume City 3-1 in an entertaining clash, at Epping Stadium on Friday night.

Greens were the more cynical side in the attacking third and took the lead as earliest as the third minute through Philip Arnold.

But Hume equalised through David Chick on the half-hour mark, after Scott Bulloch missed a penalty on seven minutes.

After controlling possession well for several minutes City were lacking in the finishing department as they had many missed opportunities, and they were punished.

But Bulloch made up for the penalty miss when he gave the visitors the lead five minutes before the break.

Arnold finished off the hosts with a fantastic finish on the hour to tie up the victory and to make it two wins inside a week, after defeating Southern Stars 2-0 on Monday.

In just the third minute Bentleigh opened the scoring. Luke O’Dea’s effort was initially saved by Chris Oldfield, before Philip Arnold slotted the ball into the open net.

Four minutes later the Greens were given a golden chance to double their early lead from the spot. Hume fouled an opponent, amongst a crowded box, from Arnold’s corner and Bulloch stepped up, but Oldfield saved brilliantly to his right. The former Glory midfielder then followed up, but stuck the crossbar.

Bulloch could have finished off the hosts before they even got into the game, but blasted over from a couple yards out.

Nick Hegarty produced the first real chance for the hosts as the Englishman crossed brilliantly for Archie Tomic, but the former Dandenong midfielder headed wide.

On 29 minutes Hume grabbed an equaliser through David Chick. The midfielder pounced on Aron Wilford’s hesitation, before sliding his effort past Greens ‘keeper Lawrence Thomas.

Hegarty for City continued to threat as he was found inside the Bentleigh box, but curled his effort just wide.

David Chick
Photo: Hume City

And that missed opportunity bit Hume on the behind as Bulloch made up for his missed penalty. The lively midfielder charged inside the box, before finishing with his right foot.

Hume bombarded the Bentleigh box with their set-pieces, Hegarty the chief architect. Thomas struggled to deal with the aerial balls in the box, but Hume still could not get past the Victory youngster.

Hume continued to waste their opportunities through Phillip Riccobene, and if the hosts could grab one goal back they would be alive in the game.

But once again City was punished for their woeful finishing.

Arnold capped off a great game with his brace with a thumping effort into the top of the net.

Anthony Skorich went the closest as he could four minutes after coming on, as the former Perth Glory forward hit the post twice, inside a minute.

Hume was trying to get back into the game and thought they did on 71 minutes as Pece Siveski headed home. However the Assistant Referee ruled it out for offside, a tight call.

Hume weren’t able to get onto the scoresheet for a second time so Bentleigh Greens ran out 3-1 victors.

Hume City will hope they can get their season up and running next Saturday when they travel to Campbell Reserve to take on Moreland City in the fourth round of the FFV State Knockout Cup, before travelling to Heidelberg United on May 6.

Bentleigh Greens will look to continue their great start when they travel to Caulfield Park to play North Caulfield in the cup, before hosting Melbourne Knights at Kingston Heath Reserve on Friday May 4.

Match Details:

Hume City: 1. Chris OLDFIELD (GK), 3. Ben HARRISON (12. Jarryd BARNES 75’), 4. Isyan ERDOGAN ©, 5. Steven PACE, 7. Atilla OFLI, 9. Pece SIVESKI, 10. David CHICK (37. Bobby VIDANOKSI 57’), 11. Nick HEGARTY, 17. Phillip RICCOBENE, 20. Archie TOMIC, 22. Howard FONDYKE

Unused Subs: 41. Cem CIL, 94. Jason KOUTSODONTIS (GK)

Goals: Chick (29’)

Yellow Cards: Tomic (33’), Harrison (34’)

Bentleigh Greens: 1. Lawrence THOMAS (GK), 5. Nicholas ANSELL, 7. Nicholas CURTIS, 8. Wayne WALLACE (c), 10. Scott BULLOCH (9. Anthony SKORICH 62’), 11. Philip ARNOLD, 12. Paulo RETRE (23. Andrija JUKIC 81’), 14. Aron WILFORD, 15. Luke O'DEA (13. Connor PAIN 76’), 22. Dominic D'ANGELO, 24. Luke PILKINGTON

Unused Subs: 6. Evan Batsis, 31. Christopher DAVIES

Goals: Bulloch (40’), Arnold (3’, 61’)

Yellow Cards: Pilkington (53’), Retre (56’), Wallace (68’)

VPL Wrap- Round 3

Luke Shrebon acknowledges the Tunder fans after scoring his second penalty. Liam Kearney congratulayes him, while Veton Korcari waits his turn. Photo: JOHN PUNSHON

Gallant Zebras defeated

A gallant Moreland Zebras side, under new coach Joe Palatsides, lost 2-1 at Jack Edwards Reserve, on Monday evening.

In fact Steven Weir, the former South forward, could have opened the scoring in just the first minute, as he smashed an effort off the woodwork from distance.

Weir and English forward Stuart Nicholson had great games causing problems for the Cannon’s defence but could only create half chances.

The Zebras held the majority of possession and used their wings through Nicholson, Ray Lally and Weir as they whipped balls into the box, but either a Zebra couldn’t get on the end or Cannons’ cleared.

But all that was to no avail as Diaco drove home a cracking effort past Griffin McMaster on 25 minutes.

And five minutes later McMaster was in it again, but this time failing to punch, which resulted in Walker heading home.

But Zebras continued to fight on with Recchia who headed home a Weir inch-perfect corner.

Daniel Vasilevski also had a great game in midfield and saved a goal for the visitors with a great goal-line clearance.

The game was very entertaining as both sides competed for long periods, which was fantastic for the large Moreland contingent who travelled out to Oakleigh in cold and windy conditions.

But Zebras were just unlucky as referee calls didn’t go their way, balls fell for the opponent and passes were interception well from the Cannons.

Palatsides thought his side played well.

“We didn’t deserve to lose, I think the score’s not indicative of what the game was,” he said.

“Right to the 95th minute we battled… and I think the boys deserved a lot more than what they got for today’s effort.”

Richmond edge the Warriors
Heidelberg United’s poor start to the season continued with a third straight defeat, this time at the hands to Richmond, as the Eagles were victorious 1-0 in a scrappy game at Olympic Village on Monday afternoon.

Davey van ‘t Schip had Richmond’s best chance in a dull first-half as Sebastian Mattei’s poor clearance was pounced on but, van ‘t Schip, the son of former Melbourne Heart coach John, failed to hit the target.

The game livened up in the second-half with Heidelberg pushing forward but Saso Alexovski was denied by the Richmond defence, before a Zois Galanopoulos effort touched the crossbar.

The poor finishing for the hosts came back to hurt them as Daniel Visevic opened the scoring for Richmond, after a great counter-attack run by Steven Topalovic.

Richmond should have added to the score line but, Michael Catalano struck the crossbar, after Devon Bonne failed to convert.

*Thanks to FFV and Neil Zimmerman for the insight.

Sherbon penalty brace seals victory

Dandenong Thunder cemented their spot on top of the VPL table, after a 2-0 win over Melbourne Knights at George Andrews Reserve, on Saturday afternoon.

However it was Knights who should have taken the lead on five minutes, after Louis Fenton’s header hit the crossbar.

But three minutes later Nate Foster was fouled inside the box, after Knights failed to clear a Shane Rexhepi free-kick.

Luke Sherbon stepped up and sent Aaron Romein the wrong way.

Knights controlled the majority of the game but couldn’t create chances in the front third, but the poor George Andrews pitch did have a part to play.

The visitors had chances through Jacob Colosimo and Jake Nakic, the latter smashed the woodwork.

But Thunder finished off the visitors as Sherbon was taken down inside the box by Knights ‘keeper Romein.

Sherbon stepped up himself and once again, sent Romein the wrong way.

*Thanks to FFV and Ante Jukic for the insight

Gavalas hands Gully triumph
Green Gully came from behind to defeat South Melbourne 3-1, on Saturday afternoon at Green Gully Reserve, to win their second consecutive game.

South Melbourne started as the better side, and that was ensured on 12 minutes as Fernando De Moraes stormed into the box, before Ante Cicak for the hosts cleared into his own net; 1-0 to South.

Gully’s first real chance came on 23 minutes but, Osagie Ederaro headed wide of Peter Gavalas’ net.

In the dying moments of the first-half Gully equalised. After Gavalas failed to clear a Gully corner, Daniel Jones cracked home the equaliser.

Neither side could create much in the second-half but Gavalas handed Gully the lead on 75 minutes. The former Bentleigh ‘keeper scuffed a kick into the path of Mathew Sanders who slotted the ball into the net.

Gavalas’ afternoon was aggravated as he gifted the hosts the victory on 85 minutes. South’s shaky ‘keeper parried Scott Robson’s initial effort; before Jason Hayne crossed in the resulting corner, which dodged Gavalas to give Gully a 3-1 victory. 

*Thanks to FFV and Sacha Pisani for the insight

Northcote and Hume finish in stalemate

Northcote City and Hume City have finished level at 1-1 at John Cain Memorial Park, on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides would be disappointed to only take one point as Northcote controlled the game and created the majority of the chances. But after taking the lead late on, Hume would be just as disappointed not have held on.

The first-half started well for Northcote with James Kalifatidis and Milos Lujic causing the Hume City defence some troubles, but Chris Oldfield in goals was able to do well to keep the encounter scoreless.

Hume’s best chances came through Archie Tomic who had his clearance cleared by Kristian Konstandinitis, before Atilla Ofli headed over.

The rest of the half became scrappy with neither side creating much as miss-passes let both sides down.

However Johnathan Voulgaris did fire narrowly wide after some great work on the left from Parys Okai and Alex Rojas.

Northcote ‘keeper Chris Theodoridis was brought into the game just before the break when Nick Hegarty lofted a free-kick, the deputy vice-captain had to tap over.

Northcote started the second-half on the front foot with Voulgaris and Lujic but Oldfield continued his fine form to deny Voulgaris, before Lujic headed over.

Okai and Lujic next went close but Okai’s poor cross narrowly missed the upright before Lujic headed well over.

Hume thought they stole all three points on 87 minutes when Ofli was found outside of the box with Theodoridis rushing out, before the Hume forward lobbed the ‘keeper brilliantly with the outside of his foot, to give his side the lead.

Northcote pushed forward for a late equaliser and found it on the edge of stoppage-time, when Lujic intercepted a poor back pass before tucking away into an open net. 

Controversy as Greens defeat Stars
Controversy and drama surrounded the inaugural Kingston Heath derby as Bentleigh Greens defeated neighbours Southern Stars 2-0 at their shared venue.

Both clubs came out of the sheds rather conservatively, with the first major chance going to Southern Stars' Mark Leech at the half hour mark, which in fairness was a hopeful long range shot.

However, the game opened up minutes later with end-to-end football which included what could have been an embarrassing goal for Melbourne Victory youngster, Lawrence Thomas, who fumbled a tame corner but quickly recovered.

Bentleigh Greens returned from the half time break the stronger side, and produced some good football, including a long distance strike from skipper Wayne Wallace which brought the best out of Peter Siddle.

Two eyebrow-raising substitutions were made in the space of 5 minutes with Connor Pain and Scott Bullock, coming off for Anthony Skorich and another Melbourne Victory youngster, Paul Retre.

The move paid off manager John Anastasiadis when in the 73rd minute Bentleigh went 1-0 up through a curling shot from Andrija Lukic, which was originality thought to be offside.

The referee's assistant flagged for an offside decision immediately after the goal, but after the main in the middle discussed the call with his counterpart, he deemed whoever was in an offside position was not interfering with play, and awarded the goal.

From then on, Stars were on the back foot, and the Greens really should have killed off the contest in the 80th minute should in not have been for Peter Siddle keeping out Anthony Skorich from six yards.

Substitute Retre was instrumental in the second goal, which came with five minutes to go, when he skipped past three Stars defenders, layed it off for Skorich, who put the ball across the face of goal which was embarrassingly slotted home by Stars defender Halil Gur.

Retre should have had the goal he deserved in the final minute of play when he smacked the ball against the left post from the edge of the box, but it proved insignificant as Bentleigh won the game comfortably 2-0.

*Thanks to fellow Goal! Weekly reporter, Donald Sutherland

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