Green Gully 4-0 Heidelberg United: 10 man Green Gully crush Heidelberg

A 10 man Green Gully has crushed Andy Vlahos’ Heidelberg United 4-0 at Green Gully Reserve on Saturday afternoon which gives the Warriors a poor early record of zero points from two games.

Gully took the lead into half-time through a first-half Mathew Sanders brace before two goals inside two minutes from Jason Hayne, from the spot, and a nice finish from Osagie Ederaro.

After a slow opening Heidelberg created the first chance on 9 minutes when Saso Alexovski was denied by Gully ‘keeper Rhyss Keane before Evan Christodoulu and Zois Galanopolous both had follow-up efforts blocked by the Gully defence.

The Gully defence included former Melbourne Victory defender Rodrigo Vargas who made his first appearance for the hosts since returning during the week.

Gully’s first chance came on 17 minutes when former Oakleigh Cannons’ fullback Ante Cicak crossed brilliantly for Hayne but the New Zealander was denied by a great save by Con Dimitropolous.

Gully continued to push for an opener but Hayne lost balance before Johnathan Munoz sliced his effort wide.

Soon after Galanopolous thought he opened the scoring with a tap-in after a goal mouth scramble but the Assistant Referee ruled it out for offside, a close call.

On 27 minutes Gully’s push for an opener was rewarded when Sanders slide home the opener after Dimitropolous fumbled Hamid Basma’s initial effort.

Rodrigo Vargas at Melbourne Victory:
Photo: Getty Images

Ten minutes later Sanders doubled the lead and his personal tally after turning on the edge of the box and finishing into the bottom corner.

Just before the break Sanders was looking for his hat-trick but blazed his effort wide.

Soon after Andrew Naboutt was found at the back post for the Warriors but chose the selfish option and blazed it over with a teammate free in the centre.

Early into the second-half Heidelberg were given a chance to come back into the game when Andy Vargas, brother of Rodrigo was sent off after collecting a second yellow card.

Gully were looking to finish it off on 67 minutes through Hayne but Dimitropolous saved well with his feat at the near post.

The Warriors were pushing against the ten-men to get back into the game but Keane denied Skipper Alexovski before making a fantastic save to deny Arthur Papadopolous.

Rodrigo Vargas in his previous stint at Green Gully

On 78 minutes Gully were given a golden chance to finish off the contest when second-half substitute Ederaro was fouled inside the box. Hayne stepped up and buried the penalty into the bottom corner.

On minute later Ederaro was involved again and Gully scored two inside as many minutes as the Nigerian finished past Dimitropolous which put a cherry on top.

Gully host South Melbourne next on the 14^th of April in a massive game which involves two of the likely title contenders. Whereas Heidelberg next host Richmond at Olympic Village on Easter Monday in a must win game for the Warriors as they are now zero from two.

Match Details:

Green Gully: 1. Rhyss KEANE (GK), 2. Daniel JONES, 3. Ante Cicak, 5. Rodrigo VARGAS, 7. Jeffrey FLEMING ©, 8. Jason HAYNE, 12. Mathew SANDERS (18. Joel NIKOLIC 76’), 15. Hamid BASMA (20. Osagie EDERARO 64’), 16. Mile MEDJEDOVIC, 17. Andy VARGAS, 19. Johnathan MUNOZ (11. Scott ROBSON 76’)

Unused Subs: 23. Michael O’FARRELL (GK)

Goals: Sanders (26’, 36’), Hayne (79’), Ederaro (80’)

Yellow Cards: Basma (25’), A. Vargas (32’, 57’), Jones (41’), Hayne (86’)

Red Cards: A. Vargas (57’)

Heidelberg United: 1. Con DIMITROPOLOUS (GK), 2. Arthur PAPADOPOLOUS, 3. Les DOUMBALIS, 7. Zois GALANOPOLOUS (17. Baranti PARISSOS 46’), 8. Andrew NABOUTT (9. Ahmet TURER 69’), 10. Nick TSOULIS (6. John BOUNOS 46’), 11. Evan CHRISTODOULU, 13. Mitch BISSINGER, 15. Seb PETROVIC, 18. David CARDAMONE, 20. Saso ALEXOVSKI ©

Unused Subs: 12. Nick AGYROKAKIS, 32. Andrew GIANNOS

Yellow Cards: Alexovski (2’), Bissinger (85’)

Hume City 0-3 Dandenong Thunder: Thunder continue great start

Canadian Import Nate Foster with Coach Chris Taylor
Photo: Dandenong Thunder

Dandenong Thunder continued their great start to the 2012 season with a convincing 3-0 victory over Hume City at Epping Stadium on Friday night.

Thunder took the lead as early as the 11^th minute through Canadian import Nate Foster before a second-half brace from Luke Sherbon on 52 and 85 minutes sealed the win.

Despite a stop-start opening Thunder opened the scoring on 11 minutes. The ball fell for Sean McIlroy but Hume goalkeeper Chris Oldfield made a great save to deny the Irishman but Foster followed up with a finish into the bottom corner.

Just eight minutes after taking the lead Foster could have doubled the lead but the swift forward volleyed his effort directly at Oldfield with Sherbon free on the right.

Thunder continued to threaten the Hume goal and Mathew Theodore was next to test Oldfield who made another great save before Sherbon ran onto the ball and thundered his effort narrowly over.

Soon after Theodore was denied McIlroy was too by a combination of Oldfield and former Thunder defender Jarryd Barnes.

Thunder played a typical British style of football and set up in a 4-4-2 formation and tested the Hume defence with a number of long balls and crosses into the box.

And that exactly happened On 33 minutes when Thunder Skipper Shane Rexhepi picked out Kearney but the wide man could only head his effort into the hands of Oldfield.

Five minutes into the second-half Dandenong were given a penalty after Barnes fouled Foster inside the box. Sherbon stepped up and converted the penalty after sending Oldfield the wrong way.

On the hour mark Foster and McIlroy did brilliantly to beat Ben Harrison before Foster crossed but Kearney spooned his effort over from only inches out.

Soon after Sherbon was looking for his second and was found inside the box but the Welshman volleyed his effort well over crossbar.

On 85 minutes Sherbon wrapped up the game when he scored his brace with a scuffed finish past Oldfield after substitute Hamlet Armenian did well to cut back to the Welshman.

Two minutes later the hosts were looking to snatch a goal consolidation goal when second-half substitute Jose Guerruero played a great ball into the box which Nick Hegarty nodded towards goal but Webster denied the Englishman.

3-0 wasn’t enough for Thunder as Chris Taylor’s men pushed forward for a fourth but Armenian fired just wide.

Dandenong Thunder Coach Chris Taylor was pleased with his side’s victory but believes they could have scored more.

“It’s a long, long way (to the finals) but it was important for us to get a couple good wins under our belt and having so many new players and getting them to gel quickly has been really good and even tonight, we created several good chances. I know we scored three but it could have been double that as well so that is pleasing as well,” Taylor said.

Hume City Coach Louie Acevski thought his side played well up to the tenth minute, when the conceded.

“First things first you got to not concede to have a chance of winning a game. We have obviously conceded in the tenth minute, we played well up to the tenth minute mark, we knocked the ball around well but a mistake at the back meant we conceded against a good team,” Acevski said.

Match Details:

Hume City: 1. Chris OLDFIELD (GK), 3. Ben HARRISON, 4. Isyan ERDOGAN ©, 7. Atilla OFLI (8. Jose GUERRUERO 78’), 9. Pece SIVESKI (37. Bobby VIDANOSKI 66’), 11. Nick HEGARTY, 12. Jarryd BARNES, 15. Zoran PETREVSKI, 17. Phillip RICCOBENE, 20. Archie TOMIC, 22. Howard FONDYKE

Subs Not Used: 2. Adam CENTOFANTI, 18. Evan VAN DER BYL (GK), 41. Cem CIL

Yellow Cards: Tomic (37’), Barnes (66’), Riccobene (90+1’)

Dandenong Thunder: 1. Stewart WEBSTER (GK), 3. Andrew MULLETT, 5. Anthony BRAN, 7. Liam KEARNEY, 8. Matthew THEODORE, 9. SEAN MCILROY (17. Hamlet ARMENIAN 72’), 11. Iqbal JAWADI (6. Ross THOMPSON 65’), 13. Shane REXHEPI ©, 14. Craig ELVIN, 19. Nate FOSTER (18. Adam CASEY 81’), 20. Luke SHERBON

Subs Not Used: 12. Shpetim MALA, 21. Zaim ZENELI (GK)

Goals: Foster (11’), Sherbon (52’ (pen), 85’)

Yellow Cards: Bran (55’)

Melbourne Heart Coach John van ‘t Schip confident in overcoming the Glory

Melbourne Heart Coach John van 't Schip

Melbourne Heart boss John van ‘t Schip has confidence in his side’s first ever final and possibly his last game before returning to Holland.

“I am very confident that we will play a good game,” van ‘t Schip told the media.

Matt Thompson has overcome a little niggle during the week to be available but veteran defender Simon Colosimo has not.

“Only one thing that is a blast is that Simon Colosimo is out. He got an injury, we hope he will be available for the next game but that is another worry. First we have to make sure we win this game.”

The Dutchman revealed that Colosimo injured his hamstring during the week and Brendan Hamill is likely to come into the side but van ‘t Schip has confidence in Hamill and follow defender Curtis Good despite their young age.

“I am very convinced about the qualities of Brendan (Hamill) and Curtis (Good).”

“Age doesn’t say anything to me. If I look at the performance I see all the players also making mistakes in games and I’m not saying they are not going to make mistakes because everybody makes mistakes but I am very confident in the way the play, the way they defend, they way they are physically are on the pitch and yeah they have to deal with an experienced striker (in Shane Smeltz) but there was other teams that had experience and they lost to Perth as well.”

Although the 48-year-old also understands that travelling to Perth to take on the Glory is going to be tough.

“They are a good team, they are strong. They have confidence; they scored four goals in their last game. I think looking at both teams and I think they are going to be well prepared and ready for this first final,” van ‘t Schip said of Perth.

One of the major threats to van ‘t Schip’s defence is Shane Smeltz, who scored four times against Melbourne Victory last week to become the A-League’s leading goal scorer with 62 goals, and van ‘t Schip will prep his defence and pay attention to the 30-year-old.

“Well it’s important, he has showed in the games against us that he can score, that he can score easy and of course we will talk to our players of how to defend and he will one of the players who will get more attention than another player.”

Piece also here

VPL Wrap- Round 1

Conor Pain (Bentleigh Greens) almost wears Green Gully captain, Jeffrey Fleming's clearing kick. Luke O'dea is also on had for the Greens. Photo: Goal! Weekly/ JOHN PUNSHON

Bentleigh shock Gully in VPL opener

Bentleigh Greens shocked current VPL Champions Green Gully Cavaliers 4-1 at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Friday night in the opening game of the 2012 season.

In the opening minutes of the first game of the Victorian Premier League (VPL) both sides started cautiously but both sides did have effort through Hamid Basma and Dominic D’Angelo.

Melbourne Victory youngster O’Dea was looking for the opener as he was found on the edge of the box but fired just wide for the hosts.

Soon after Green Gully scored the opening goal of the 2012 VPL season after Nicholas Curtis played a ball back to Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas but Nikolic intercepted before finishing low past the 19-year-old goalkeeper.

Bentleigh were looking for an immediate reply but Connor Pain’s low cross was cleared over the crossbar accidentally by Gully defender Daniel Jones.

Basma was looking dangerous and beat Aron Wilford to the ball before powering himself into the box but poked his effort wide, probably the best chance of the game.

Ten minutes before the break Greens had a great chance to equalise as Bulloch’s effort was spilled by Rhyss Keane before Paulo Retre couldn’t get an effort on target. Pain followed up but Keane made a fantastic save to deny the wide man.

Soon before the break former Perth Glory midfielder Andrija Jukic tried his luck from distance but yet another effort was fired wide. That was the luck of hosts throughout the first-half.

Early into the second-half Greens sent the big boys forward with Mile Medjedovic and Nikolic but Thomas denied the latter from close range.

On the hour mark Greens equalised when a stunning Bulloch effort deflected before flying into the top net.

One minute later Greens scored their second inside two minutes when Bulloch converted a penalty after Mile Medjedovic brought down Pain. Although Keane is goals did get a touch.

On 67 minutes Greens made it 3-1 when Pain crossed low for O’Dea to finish at the near post. Greens now had scored three goals inside seven minutes and pretty much finished off the champions.

With time ticking down Greens extended the lead with Luke O’Dea grabbing his brace. After Phillip Arnold’s cross the Victory forward finished with a volley with the outside of his foot.

 Northcote defeat Richmond to get off to great start

Northcote City have got their season off to a great start after defeating Richmond 2-1 at John Cain Memorial Park on Saturday afternoon.

But the game didn’t start well for the hosts as Scott Muirhead thought he scored after chipping goalkeeper Chris Petropoulos but the referee ruled it out for offside.

But on four minutes Northcote took the momentum when Milos Lujic played in James Kalifatidis who finished nicely past Stjepan Gal in goals for the Eagles.

Northcote dominated in the attacking third buy both Paul Savio and Kalifatidis couldn’t convert.

Michael Ferrante with his deadly free-kicks could have equalised but the curling set-piece just missed the upright.

But on 23 minutes those miss opportunities weren’t really missed after Lujic powerfully finished past Gal after Kalifatidis did well to find the former Altona City forward.

Just before the break Jonathan Voulgaris and Kalifatidis both had chances but couldn’t finish for the hosts.

On the hour mark Savio wasted a golden chance when Parys Okai cut back to the versatile City player.

Liam Cannell then denied Lujic’s second with a fantastic block on the line.

However on 73 minutes City conceded after Petropoulos directed his kick straight into Josh Kweifio-Okai before the ball dribbled into the net.

City could have sealed the victory but first Okai’s effort was saved by Gal before Lujic’s header was cleared off the line.

Dandy thump Stars
Southern Stars endured a baptism of fire on Saturday in their first game back in the VPL, where they were outclassed 4-0 by Dandenong Thunder.

In the 5th minute, Thunder’s Canadian import Nate Foster found himself one-on-one with Frazer Siddle, calmly laying it off for Luke Sherbon, who then coolly slotted the ball home in front of a passionate group of Dandenong supporters.

7 minutes later, after a somewhat scrap in the box, Foster volleyed home Thunder’s second goal of the season, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead.

Star’s first real chance came in a 20th minute counter-attack, where Leon Williams smacked the ball into the top corner, only to have it brought back for offside.

Thunder continued to dominate up until the 28th minute where some good football from Southern Stars resulted in a tame shot from Mark Leech, going wide past Stuart Webster’s post.

At the half hour mark, Thunder’s Liam Kearney took an audacious free kick from well outside the box, which sailed over the bar.

3 minutes later, Sherbon missed a golden chance to get his second, putting a header back across the face off goal from the back post, where a glancing header would have been enough. Sullivan would have been at fault with the goal, losing sight of Sherbon over his shoulder.

Nate Foster then displayed his speed and skill with a fantastic run, beating 3 Star’s defenders and then hitting the base of the left post.

Five minutes from half time, Star’s received a free kick after a foul from Craig Elvin, which ended up fooling the Thunder wall, going to a player in a box, who fell over and incited penalty claims from Star’s players. In fairness, the penalty wasn’t warranted.

Nine minutes into the second half, Nate Foster got his second goal from a short goal kick which was headed back to the Canadian, who beat his defender, went around the keeper and finished coolly.

The match opened up with Thunder comfortable with the three goal lead, and chances were given to David Stirton after some great football from Sullivan and Williams, but again, Stars’ struggled to finish.

Then in the 69th minute, Leon Williams committed a dangerous, studs up tackle on Thunder’s Andrew Mullet which sparked a melee between Stars and Thunder players.

The referee originally had a yellow card out ready to book Williams, but after consulting with his assistant, a red card was brought out, which infuriated Stars officials.

The Dandenong faithful thought they got a penalty in the 81st minute after Foster was brought down just outside the box. But Thunder still got their goal, after the free kick was taken by Sherbon into the bottom corner, which Siddle got a hand to, but Liam Kearney finished it on the re-bound.

In the finally minute of the game, Nate Foster missed out on a deserved hat-trick, after skilfully beating a defender, going around the keeper, but his touch was too heavy to get on the end of it.

The game finished 4-0 in the favour of the home side, with Stars going into next week’s game with striker Leon Williams and possibly Luke Fitzpatrick too.
*Match Report provided by fellow Goal! Weekly reporter Donald Sutherland.

South too good for Moreland
South Melbourne were too good for newly promoted Moreland Zebras at the new Lakeside Stadium as South defeated the Zebras 4-0.

The first game at Lakeside Stadium started slowly with the first real chance not coming until 14 minutes when Nace Kosmac fired wide from outside of the box for the visitors.

South Melbourne’s best chance in the opening minutes came from a Glen Trifiro corner which Luke Byles reached but headed wide.

On 25 minutes South took advantage of their next chance when Kyle Joryeff was played in by Jason Trifiro before finishing powerfully past Griffin McMaster.

South’s next chance also resulted in a goal. Trent Rixon played in Joryeff whose first effort was saved well by McMaster before Joryeff finished the rebound.

Just before the break Raymond Lally was looking to grab one back for the Zebras but his long drive was comfortably saved by Peter Gavalas in goals for South.

Early into the second-half Rixon had a great chance to score South’s third but the former Northcote forward’s effort was fantastically cleared off the line by William Abbott.

Kyle Joryeff of South Melbourne
Photo: Goal! Weekly

Former South forward Steven Weir next tested Gavalas from distance but the ‘keeper on his South debut made a good save.

On 59 minutes Vincent Faherty for the visitors had their best chance so far on the volley but fired wide.

Faherty had another chance later in the half but the Irishman’s effort was well parried by Gavalas who was putting in a great shift on debut.

With time ticking down Jason Trifiro made it 3-0 with a nice low finish into the bottom corner.

Fernando De Moraes was given a great opportunity to extend the lead from a free-kick but McMaster denied the Brazilian with a great diving save.

Just before stoppage-time substitute Dimi Hatzimouratis made it 4-0 with a finish after another ball from the right.

South Melbourne coach Peter (Gus) Tsolakis was pleased with his side’s performance in his first game in charge. “Yeah it’s pleasing that we got the three points, being our first game at home that was our main objective. We had a game plan where we didn’t want

to concede any goals because we knew we got the players to create chances and it worked to plan.”

Moreland Zebras coach Dominic Barba believed his side didn’t come to play. “We just didn’t come to play, simple. When we started to put some pressure on them and when we were able to do a job we were expected to do, we created three or four chances in

the second-half but we didn’t capitalize and to their good fortune they did and they were better on the day.”

Hume takes points in scrappy affair
Hume City took all three points in a scrappy affair as they defeated Melbourne Knights 2-0 at Knights Stadium on Sunday.

The opening 20 minutes of the game was scrappy without any chances for either side.

However Hume found the opener on the edge of half-time through defender Steven Pace. The former Melbourne Victory man thundered the ball through the crowded box and into the back of the net to give his side the lead into the break.

Both sides made changes including Melbourne Victory youngster Jake Nakic who came on for Craig Sweeney.

Bobby Vidanoski also came on for the viscitors for Atilla Ofli, a move which would pay off.

The substitution did pay off for Hume on 84 minutes when Vidanoski placed the ball into the top corner after he played in by Pece Siveski.

Oakleigh win opener in entertaining clash

Oakleigh Cannons have defeated Heidelberg United 2-0 in an entertaining clash at Olympic Village on Sunday evening.

Goran Zoric, who was signed from relegated Springvale White Eagles, was the spark in the midfield and created many of chances for Ricky Diaco but Sebastian Mattei did well to keep it scoreless.

Just before the break Diaco thought he opened the scoring after finishing nicely but the referee ruled it out for offside.

Just before the hour mark Diaco opened the scoring from the spot after Jesse Krncevic was fouled inside the box.

But with eleven minutes left Heidelberg Captain George Papadopoulos was given a second yellow card.

This hurt the hosts as they couldn’t find an equaliser but did go close through Saso Alexovski and Andrew Nabbout.

But five minutes before full-time Diaco finished off the victory for the visitors with a header from after creating some space inside the box.

Wrap also here

South too good for Moreland

Kyle Joryeff
Photo: Goal! Weeekly

South Melbourne were too good for newly promoted Moreland Zebras at the new Lakeside Stadium as South defeated the Zebras 4-0.

A first-half Kyle Joryeff brace gave the hosts the lead into the break before Jason Trifiro and Dimi Hatzimouratis scored late to put the cherry on top.

The first game at Lakeside Stadium started slowly with the first real chance not coming until 14 minutes when Nace Kosmac fired wide from outside of the box for the visitors.

South Melbourne’s best chance in the opening minutes came from a Glen Trifiro corner which Luke Byles reached but headed wide.

On 25 minutes South took advantage of their next chance when Kyle Joryeff was played in by Jason Trifiro before finishing powerfully past Griffin McMaster.

South’s next chance also resulted in a goal. Trent Rixon played in Joryeff whose first effort was saved well by McMaster before Joryeff finished the rebound.

Just before the break Raymond Lally was looking to grab one back for the Zebras but his long drive was comfortably saved by Peter Gavalas in goals for South.

Right on half-time Brad Norton pushed forward from fullback and got into a good position but fired high and wide from an acute angle.

Early into the second-half Rixon had a great chance to score South’s third but the former Northcote forward’s effort was fantastically cleared off the line by William Abbott.

Former South forward Steven Weir next tested Gavalas from distance but the ‘keeper on his South debut made a good save.

On 59 minutes Vincent Faherty for the visitors had their best chance so far on the volley but fired wide.

Faherty had another chance later in the half but the Irishman’s effort was well parried by Gavalas who was putting in a great shift on debut.

With time ticking down Jason Trifiro made it 3-0 with a nice low finish into the bottom corner.

Fernando De Moraes was given a great opportunity to extend the lead from a free-kick but McMaster denied the Brazilian with a great diving save.

Jason Trifiro (Front)
Photo: Goal! Weekly

Just before stoppage-time substitute Dimi Hatzimouratis made it 4-0 with a finish after another ball from the right.

In stoppage time Hatzimouratis was looking for a brace but blasted over.

South Melbourne coach Peter (Gus) Tsolakis was pleased with his side’s performance in his first game in charge. “Yeah it’s pleasing that we got the three points, being our first game at home that was our main objective. We had a game plan where we didn’t want to concede any goals because we knew we got the players to create chances and it worked to plan.”

Moreland Zebras coach Dominic Barba believed his side didn’t come to play. “We just didn’t come to play, simple. When we started to put some pressure on them and when we were able to do a job we were expected to do, we created three or four chances in the second-half but we didn’t capitalize and to their good fortune they did and they were better on the day.”

Match Details:

South Melbourne: 1. Peter GAVALAS (GK), 2. Tom MATTHEWS, 4. Steven O’ DOR, 6. Dimi TSIARAS, 9. Trent RIXON (8. Dimi HATZIMOURATIS 66’), 10. Glen TRIFIRO, 11. Brad NORTON, 13. Luke BYLES, 15. Fernando DE MORAES, 23. Jason TRIFIRO, 25. Kyle JORYEFF (20. Gianni DE NITTIS 53’)

Substitutes Not Used: 17. Matko BUDIMIR, 22. Philip PETRESKI, 21. Jason SALDARIS

Goals: Joryeff (25’, 33’), J. Trifiro (84’), Hatzimouratis (86’)

Yellow Cards: Joryeff (11’)

Moreland Zebras: 1. Griffin MCMASTER (GK), 2. Chris GROSSMAN, 3. Raymond LALLY (13. Brandon DEFINA 71’), 4. William ABBOTT, 7. Stuart NICHOLSON, 8. Carl RECCHA, 9. Vincent FAHERTY, 11. Steven WEIR, 14. Jungho KIM (5. Dejan RADOJICIC 59’ (12. Luka REARDO (66’)), 15. Ersin KAYA, 19. Nace KOSMAC

Substitutes Not Used: 18. Nelson SALVATORE, 21. Phillip PETROVSKI (GK)

Yellow Cards: Lally (12’)

Bentleigh shock Gully in VPL opener

Connor Pain(L) and Chris Dib (R)
Photo: John Punshon/Goal! Weekly

Bentleigh Greens shocked current VPL Champions Green Gully Cavaliers 4-1 at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Friday night in the opening game of the 2012 season.

After Joel Nikolic took advantage of a poor pass, Scott Bulloch scored twice inside two minutes before Luke O’Dea also grabbed a brace for the Greens.

In the opening minutes of the first game of the Victorian Premier League (VPL) both sides started cautiously but both sides did have effort through Hamid Basma and Dominic D’Angelo.

Melbourne Victory youngster O’Dea was looking for the opener as he was found on the edge of the box but fired just wide for the hosts.

Soon after Green Gully scored the opening goal of the 2012 VPL season after Nicholas Curtis played a ball back to Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas but Nikolic intercepted before finishing low past the 19-year-old goalkeeper.

Bentleigh were looking for an immediate reply but Connor Pain’s low cross was cleared over the crossbar accidentally by Gully defender Daniel Jones.

Jeffrey Fleming (L) and Paulo Retre (R)
Photo:  John Punshon/ Goal! Weekly

Basma was looking dangerous and beat Aron Wilford to the ball before powering himself into the box but poked his effort wide, probably the best chance of the game.

Ten minutes before the break Greens had a great chance to equalise as Bulloch’s effort was spilled by Rhyss Keane before Paulo Retre couldn’t get an effort on target. Pain followed up but Keane made a fantastic save to deny the wide man.

Soon before the break former Perth Glory midfielder Andrija Jukic tried his luck from distance but yet another effort was fired wide. That was the luck of hosts throughout the first-half.

Early into the second-half Greens sent the big boys forward with Mile Medjedovic and Nikolic but Thomas denied the latter from close range.

Both sides were pushing for a goal but Scott Robson fired wide for Gully before D’Angelo volleyed wide for the hosts.

On the hour mark Greens equalised when a stunning Bulloch effort deflected before flying into the top net.

One minute later Greens scored their second inside two minutes when he converted a penalty after Mile Medjedovic brought down Pain. Although Keane is goals did get a touch.

On 67 minutes Greens made it 3-1 when Pain crossed low for O’Dea to finish at the near post. Greens now had scored three goals inside seven minutes and pretty much finished off the champions.

With time ticking down Greens extended the lead with Luke O’Dea grabbing his brace. After Phillip Arnold’s cross the Victory forward finished with a volley with the outside of his foot.

Match Details:

Bentleigh Greens

1. Lawrence THOMAS (GK), 7. Nicholas CURTIS, 8. Wayne WALLACE (c), 10. Scott BULLOCH, 12. Paulo RETRE 13. Connor PAIN (11. Phillip ARNOLD 75’), 14. Aron WILFORD, 15. Luke O'DEA (6. Evan BATSIS 82’), 22. Dominic D'ANGELO (3. Joey CALDERONE 87’), 23. Andrija JUKIC, 24. Luke PILKINGTON

Substitutes Not Used:

31. Christopher DAVIS, 2. Christian LAR

Goals

Bulloch (60’ & 63’), O’Dea (67’ & 81’)

Yellow Cards

Curtis (73’)

Green Gully Cavaliers

1. Rhyss KEANE (GK), 2. Daniel JONES, 5. Christopher DIB (9. Brent FISHER 68’), 7. Jeffrey FLEMING (c), 8. Jason HAYNE, 12, Mathew SANDERS, 11. Scott ROBSON, 15. Hamid BASMA (20. Osagie EDERARO 58’), 16. Mile MEDJEDOVIC, 17. Andy VARGAS, 18. Joel NIKOLIC (19. Johnathon MUNOZ 75’ )

Substitutes Not Used:

23. Michael O’FARRELL, 14. Matthew HUME

Goals

Nikolic (20’)

Yellow Cards

Nikolic (28’) Jones (78’)

Victorian Premier League prepares for new season

Green Gully will be aiming to clinch a third VPL crown in a row and a record 10th title. Photo: DANIEL FLIS

The Victorian Premier League (VPL) kicks-off this weekend with Moreland Zebras and Southern Stars replacing the relegated St. Albans and Springvale White Eagles. Here is a detailed report on the 2012 squads and a prediction of how each side will do in the upcoming season.

Round One Fixtures
8:15 PM Fri 23/Mar        
Bentleigh Greens v Green Gully 
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

3:00 PM Sat 24/Mar        
Northcote City v Richmond 
John Cain Memorial Park

5:00 PM Sat 24/Mar        
Dandenong  v Southern Stars 
George Andrews Reserve

5:00 PM Sun 25/Mar        
South Melb  v Moreland Zebras 
Lakeside Stadium

6:00 PM Sun 25/Mar        
Melbourne Knights  v Hume City 
Knights Stadium

6:00 PM Sun 25/Mar        
Heidelberg United  v Oakleigh 
Olympic Park

Bentleigh Greens
Bentleigh Greens go into the 2012 season with John Anastasiadis at the helm who took over after eight games. Anastasiadis has made many changes with Melbourne Victory youngsters Lawrence Thomas, Nick Ansell, Paulo Retre, Luke O’Dea and Dado Lokvancic all coming in. The Victory connection continues with Luke Pilkington being retained with Billy Liolios after the midfielder spent the summer season with Melbourne Heart. There is also a Perth Glory connection with Anthony Skorich and Andrija Jukic joining with the already present Scott Bulloch. Captain Wayne Wallace will be key for this season as the current Best and Fairest of the club and will provide experience to a young squad.
Not only do Bentleigh have a squad of youngsters but good youngsters with a couple key regular VPL players like Nick Curtis who joins from Northcote. Bentleigh, on paper is going to be one of many clubs fighting for a finals place.

2012 Bentleigh Greens Squad:
1. Lawrence Thomas, 2. Christian Lar, 3. Joe Calderone, 4. Billy Liolios, 5. Nick Ansell, 6. Evan Batsis, 7. Nick Curtis, 8. Wayne Wallace (C), 9. Anthony Skorich, 10. Scott Bulloch, 11. Phillip Arnold, 12. Paulo Retre, 13. Connor Pain, 14. Aron Wilford, 15. Luke O’Dea, 16. Danny Kelly, 17. Jack Webster, 20. Damir (Dado) Lokvancic, 22. Dom D’Angello, 23. Andrija Jukic, 24. Luke Pilkington, 31. Chris Davies

Dandenong Thunder
Dandenong Thunder under Coach Chris Taylor go into the 2012 season with a strong squad and a very impressive strike-force. Thunder have added Hamlet Armenian and Sean McIlroy from Heidelberg United, Canadian Nathaniel Foster as well as former Sydney FC midfielder Adam Casey. Thunder’s squad isn’t just strong in attack but in midfield and defence after resigning Matthew Theodore, signing former Hume midfielder Ross Thompson as well as adding former Melbourne Victory youngsters Enes Sivic and Andrew Mullett. Giant defender Bryan Bran also joins from Oakleigh Cannons to provide some height at the back. Zaim Zaneli also joins from South Melbourne to compete with Stuart Webster after South signed Peter Gavalas from Bentleigh Greens.
But a strong side doesn’t win trophies without discipline and a good coach. The main question of the season is whether Chris Taylor can discipline his side so Thunder can have a real shot at the title without a points deduction like in 2011.

2012 Dandenong Thunder Squad:
1. Stuart Webster, 2. Enes Sivic, 3. Andrew Mullett, 4. Brendon Elmazovski, 5. Bryan Bran, 6. Ross Thompson, 7. Liam Kearney, 8. Mathew Theodore, 9. Veton Korcari (C), 10. Feston Azizi, 11. Iqi Jawadi, 12. Tim Mala, 13. Shane Rexhepi (VC), 14. Craig Elvin, 15. Fitim Ibraimi, 16. Shain Elmazi, 17. Hamlet Armenian, 18. Liam Ryan, 19. Nathaniel Foster, 20. Luke Sherbon, 21. Zaim Zaneli, 22. Sean McIlroy, 23. Denis Shabanovski, 24. Adam Casey

Green Gully Cavaliers
Defending VPL champions Green Gully Cavaliers go into the 2012 season with a strong squad after adding Ante Cicak from Oakleigh Cannons and exciting forward Ederaro Osagie from Heidelberg United. But they have also resigned Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Nikola Roganovic who has won the VPL Championship in the past four seasons, twice with Altona Magic and in the last two seasons with Green Gully. Gully regulars Jeffrey Fleming, Graham Hockless, Andy Vargas and Matthew Sanders plus many more have all been retained.
Former Brisbane Roar and Melbourne Knights midfielder Danny Tiatto has also predicted that Gully will go back-to-back-to-back. Gully are definitely going to be a huge contester for the VPL 2012 crown even if they start slowly. They are known to start slow then go on a huge win streak to take out the title and that may well happen once again.

2012 Green Gully Squad:
Hamid Basma, Muhamed Chawk, Ante Cicak, Christopher Dib, Cameron Drake, Stephen Downes, Brent Fisher, Jeffrey Fleming, Jason Hayne, Graham Hockless, Mathew Hume, Daniel Jones, Rhyss Keane (GK), Nikola Roganovic (GK), Mile Medjedovic, Jonathan Munoz, Joel Nikolic, Ederaro Osagie, Scott Robson, Mathew Sanders, Andy Vargas, Michael Ofarrell (GK)

Heidelberg United
Heidelberg United go into the 2012 season with former Hume Coach, Andy Vlahos at the reign. 
Vlahos took Hume to a third place finish in the VPL before succumbing to Oakleigh in the finals. Heidelberg have also lost many players but Vlahos has brought in a few new faces. Osagie Ederaro, Hamlet Armenian and VPL Goalkeeper of the Year Griffin McMaster have all left. But Vlahos has retained U21 Player of the year Even Christodoulou, Saso Alexovski, Leslie Doumbalis and the Warriors have brought in Melbourne Heart goalkeeper Sebastian Mattei, Nik Tzioulis from Northcote and Sebastian Petrovic from South Melbourne.
Vlahos also remains a registered player but at 35 it still remains how many games the veteran winger will play. But Heidelberg can definitely use the former Melbourne Victory player’s coaching techniques which almost took Hume over the line last season. Heidelberg will be in around the finals race and might also push for the VPL crown.

2012 Heidelberg United Squad: 
Saso Alexovski, Mitchell Bissinger, Jonathan Bounas, Davide Cardamone, Evan Christodoulou, Con Dimitropoulos, Leslie Doumbalis, Zois Galanopoulos, John Lazaridis, Sebastian Mattei (GK), Chris May, Andrew Nabbout, Arthur Papadopoulos, George Papadopoulos©, Saranti Parissos, Sebastian Petrovic, Oliver Rowland, Peter Sawan, Ahmet Turgr, Nikolaos Tzioulis, Andrew Vlahos

Hume City
Hume City go into the 2012 season with former goalkeeper Lou Acevski as their manager after retiring at the end of last season. 
Acevski took over at the end of last season after Andy Vlahos walked out and in 2012 Vlahos has taken over at Heidelberg United. Vlahos wasn’t the only one to leave Hume as Adam Nakic joined the Melbourne Victory Youth side, Ross Thompson joined Dandenong Thunder and leading goal scorer Richie Cardozo joined Austrian side LASK Linz. But Hume have recruited well with former Gold Coast United youth defender Ben Harrison being joined with Chilean Jose Guerruero, former Perth Glory midfielder Howard Fondyke and Englishman Nick Hegarty.
But Hume are expected to struggle with a rookie coach and a couple major changes. Hume will also play this season at Epping Stadium, home of Moreland Zebras as Broadmeadows Valley Park is being renovated.

2012 Hume City Squad:
1. Chris Oldfield (GK), 2. Adam Centofanti, 3. Ben Harrison, 4. Isyan Erdogan (C), 5. Steven Pace, 6. Serdar Pir, 7. Atilla Ofli, 8. Jose Guerruero, 9. Pece Siveski, 10. David Chick, 11. Nick Hegarty (VC), 12. Jarryd Barnes, 15. Zoran Petrevski, 17. Phillip Riccobene, 18. Evan Van Der Byl (GK), 19. Slave Bosinovski, 20. Archie Tomic, 22. Howard Fondyke, 24. Karan Gill, 37.Bobby Vidinovski, 41. Cem Cil

Melbourne Knights
Melbourne Knights under Paul Magdic go into the 2012 season after retaining a key core group of players from last season with Ryan Filipovic, Adam Zilic, Tomislav Uskok, Josip Kozic, Craig Sweeney and Jacob and Anthony Colosimo. But they lack a couple key players. Other Jacob Colosimo they are lacking a striker and a VPL class goalkeeper. However they have added Melbourne Victory youngster Jake Nakic, who has recently returned from nine months out with a hip injury, and Louis Fenton from relegated St. Albans. Knights though decided this season to promote a few youngsters like Stefan Baricevic and Anthony Boras and Brandon Zezovski to the first team rather than recruiting from elsewhere like their rivals, a move which may pull off or may not but may well be worth it.
If you were to compare Knights squad with their rivals they can’t expect to win a finals birth but after all it is Melbourne Knights.

2012 Melbourne Knights Squad:
1. Aaron Romein, 2. Hrvoje Sibenik, 3. Ryan Filipovic, 4. Adam Zilic, 5. David Kustura, 6. Tomislav Uskok, 7. Shaun Romein, 8. Craig Sweeney, 9. Jacob Colosimo, 10. Josip Kozic, 11. Anthony Colosimo, 12. Shayan Alinejad, 13. Anthony Boras, 14. Stefan Baricevic, 15. Louis Fenton, 16. Marijan Cvitkovic, 17. Joseph Franjic, 18. Brandon Zezovski, 19. Yusuf Yusuf, 20. Nik Oblak, 21. Matt Hrastov, 22. Chris Talajic, 23. Jake Nakic, 24. Ben Surey

Moreland ZebrasThe Moreland Zebras go into the 2012 VPL season after winning promotion from State League One as Whittlesea Zebras. 
After a name change the squad has strengthen under Coach Dominic Barba. In comes 2011 VPL Goalkeeper of the year Griffin McMaster, former South Melbourne and Melbourne Victory midfielders Daniel Vasilevski and new Skipper Carl Reccia. The Zebras have also added former Brisbane Roar and North Queensland Fury midfielder Chris Grossman.
Leading goal scorer of last season Vincent Faherty and Stuart Nicholson will provide a threat up front with Steven Weir also joining from South Melbourne. Zebras have also added Korean midfielder Jungho Kim and have retained former AIS product Ersin Kaya.
With an experienced coach in Barba and some strong recruitment the Zebras are going to be another side in around the finals and pushing for the title.

2012 Moreland Zebras Squad:
1. Griffin McMaster (GK), 2. Chris Grossman, 3. Ray Lally, 4. Will Abbot, 5. Danny Radjoacic, 6. Jole Delev, 7. Stuart Nicholson, 8. Carl Reccia ©, 9. Vincent Faherty, 10. Daniel Vasilevski, 11. Steven Weir, 12. Reardo Luka, 13. Brandon Defina, 14. Jungho Kim, 15. Ersin Kaya, 16. Michael Mazzarella, 17. Ralph Napoli, 18. Nelson Salvadore, 19. Jacob Ihnatisin, 20. Nace Kosmac, 21. Phil Petrovski (GK), 22. Sayeed Reza

Northcote City
Northcote go into the 2012 season after the departure of key players and their coach Peter Tsolakis who moved to South Melbourne. 
Tsolakis also lured Captain Trent Rixon and the Trifiro Brothers, Glen and Jason to Lakeside Stadium. Nick Curtis, Nick Tzoulis and club legend Harry Kinigopoulos also left for Bentleigh Greens, Heidleberg United and Malvern City Respectively.
Despite losing leading goalscorer Rixon Northcote brought in Milos Lujic from Altona Magic and Matthew Demo from St. Albans to boost their attacking force. Pasquale Vizzari and Alex Rojas joined from Green Gully and Bentleigh Greens respectively to replace the Trifiro brothers.
Tsolakis’ assistant, Goran Lozanovski takes over the helm at John Cain Memorial Park but hasn’t been in the manager’s seat since the 2010 season with Bentleigh but is respected highly after representing the Socceroos on nine occasions and leading Preston Lions to the 2007 crown.
It is doubtful that Northcote can challenge for the finals after losing some key players. It will come down to what Lozanovski can do with the squad.

2012 Northcote City Squad:
1. Chris Petropoulos (GK), 2. Adrian Chiappetta, 3. Kristian Konstandinitis, 4. Antoni Jankovski, 5. James Stefanou, 6. Zane Sole, 7. Jonathan Voulgaris, 8. James Kalifatidis, 9. Milos Lujic , 10. Alex Rojas, 11. Pasquale Vizzari, 12. Hayden D’Agostino, 13. Ricardo Gonzales, 14. Quinn Macdonald, 15. Matthew Demo, 16. Dean Piemonte, 17. George Mcheileh, 18. Aaron Ward, 19. Parys Okai, 20. Luke Gavalas (GK), 21. Paul Savio, 22. Chris Di Bartolo, 23. Alvaro Carrillo, 24. Charlie Treacy (GK), 25. Darcy Vickery (GK), TBC. Bradley Treloar

Oakleigh Cannons
Oakleigh Cannons go into the 2012 VPL season without inspirational coach Arthur Pappas who has since taken over the Newcastle jets Youth side. 
Huss Skenderovic is his replacement. Skenderovic worked under Michael Chatzitrifonos at Richmond SC and has coached many junior football aged groups. But would Skenderovic be able to handle the job of a manager of a VPL side? We will have to wait and see.
Cannons have been able to hold on to the majority of the squad from last season which were defeated in the VPL Grand Final in Extra-time against Green Gully. Peter Zois remains Captain and first choice goalkeeper. Ramazan Tavsancioglu, Frankie Lagana, Hayden Doyle are joined by new comers Goran Zoric and Daniel Dragicevic and will be welcome add-ons to the midfield. Melbourne Heart due Jeremy Walker and Craig Goodwin have also been retained with new forward Zac Walker. New Zealand forward Caleb Rufer joins from Sydney FC’s youth side and happens to be the son of former Oceanic player of the year Wynton.
Oakleigh definitely have the squad to compete for a finals position but in Skenderovic the Cannons may struggle with an inexperienced VPL coach.

2012 Oakleigh Cannons Squad:
Peter Zois (GK) ©, Steven Gray, Ramazan Tavsancioglu, Jamie Cumming, Jeremy Walker, Ari Drakos, Bonel Obradovic, Frankie Lagana, Luke Walker, Hayden Doyle, Shaun Ontong, Craig Goodwin, Goran Zoric, Ricky Diaco, Jesse Krncevic, Zac Walker, Daniel Dragicevic, Caleb Rufer, Ashley Savanah, Munyar Nyadzayo, Laurent Coralie, Nikolas Robers, Daniel Neesham (GK)

Richmond SC 
Richmond Soccer Club go into the 2012 season without making too many changes to their squad. Michael Chatzitrifonos has added Liam Cannell, Tom Milardovic and Daniel Visevic from relegated St. Albans with Steven Topalovic joining from South Melbourne. The latter three have already played for Richmond in the past so Chatzitrifonos has stuck with some familiar faces. Chatzitrifonos has also kept the core of the squad with Michael Ferrante, Stjepan Gal, Erhan Karahan and Nick Marinos. The Eagles have also retained Davey van ‘t Schip, son of Melbourne Heart manager John.
Richmond are another side which probably won’t go for the title but may have a chance to sneak into the finals.

2012 Richmond SC Squad:
Jonathan Beamish, Devon Bonne, Liam Cannell, Michael Catalano, Mate Eterovic, Michael Farnha, Michael Ferrante, Stjepan Gal, Didier Imbert, Erhan Karahan, Josh Kweifio-Okai, Nick Marinos, Tom Milardovic, Scott Muirhead, Timmy Purcell, Sam Shepherd, Jonny Stahl, Steven Topalovic, Davey van ‘t Schip, Andrew Viola, Daniel Visevic, Oscar Vonk

South Melbourne
South Melbourne go into the 2012 season with a very strong squad and a great coach in Peter Tsolakis who won the Mirabella Cup with Northcote City last season. 
Tsolakis has brought Trent Rixon, the Trifiro brother, Jason and Glen as well as Gianni de Nittis to the newest VPL facility, Lakeside Stadium. Peter Gavalas also joins from Bentleigh Greens and will compete with Jason Saldaris, who comes from Perth, for the goalkeeper’s kit. Englishman Luke Byles strengthens the backline after joining from Heidelberg United and Brad Norton also arrives from A-League side.
Although many players have joined South still have Tom Matthew, Rhodri Payne and Captain Steve O’Dor, Kyle Joryeff and Fernando.
South will definitely be a title contender with a good coach and a great squad. But will the high expectations of the club and fans be too much of a burden for the squad? We will have to wait and see.

2012 South Melbourne Squad:
1. Peter Gavalas (GK), 2. Tom Matthews, 3. Rhodri Payne, 4. Steve O’Dor ©, 6. Dimi Tsiaras, 7. Joe Keenan, 8. Dimi Hatzimouratis, 9. Trent Rixon, 10. Glen Trifiro, 11. Brad Norton, 13. Luke Byles, 14. Andrew Kaine, 15. Fernando, 16. Christian Skok, 17. Matko Budimir, 18. Marinos Gasparis, 20. Gianni de Nittis, 21. Jason Saldaris (GK), 23. Jason Trifiro, 24. Nick Jacobs, 25. Kyle Joryeff

  

Southern Stars 
Southern Stars go into the 2012 VPL season after coming runners up to the then Whittlesea Zebras in State League 1 last season. 
But the VPL season will be a different test. Coach Dean Hennessey brings a great promotion record to the VPL with some good young players like former Melbourne Victory youth player David Stirton and Rudvan Saglam. Former Shamrock Rovers defender Pat Sullivan who played in the 2011-12 Europa League and has been training with Melbourne Victory over the offseason also joins to bolster the defence.
Since Stars have been just promoted it is unlikely that they will compete for a finals position so they will battle to survive relegation.

2012 Southern Stars Squad:
1. Robert Acs (GK), 2. Darragh Ryan, 3. Pat Sullivan, 4. John Fitzgerald, 5. Luke Fitzpatrick, 6. Alan Mulcahy, 7. Darren Hewitt, 8. Frazer Siddle (GK), 9. Leon Williams, 10. Joe Diorio, 11. Yanni Galanos, 12. David Stirton, 13. Halil Gur, 14. Sait Guler, 15. Karl Brown, 16. Alan Kearney, 17. Rudvan Saglam, 18. Ari Ritz, 19. Liam McCormick, 20. Nick Abougelis (GK), 22. Mark Leach, 23. Kerim Tansel, 24. Keiren Fitzgerald