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

Wrap also here

Northcote City 1-1 Hume City: Northcote and Hume finish in stalemate

Northcote City
Photo: Northcote City 

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

After Northcote bombarded the Hume box, the latter took the lead through Atilla Ofli with three minutes to go, but Northcote capitalised on a poor back pass to level in stoppage time through Milos Lujic.

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.

Atilla Ofli
Photo: Hume City

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

Hume’s best chances came through Archie Tomic who had his clearance cleared by Kristian Konstandinitis, before 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, before the deputy vice-captain tapped 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.

The hosts could have had a penalty after Phil Riccobene looked to handle inside the box but referee Shaun Evans didn’t call it.

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

Substitutes Wade Dekker and Dean Piemonte went close late on, but Isyan Erdogan did well to deny the later, after Dekker fired wide.

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.  

Match Details:

Northcote City: 2. Adriano CHIAPPETTA, 3. Kristian KONSTANTINIDIS, 5. Bradley TRELOAR, 9. Milos LUJIC, 8. James KALIFATIDIS (23. Wade DEKKER 80’), 10. Alex ROJAS (18. Antoni JANKOVSKI 83’), 11. Jonathan VOULGARIS (7. Dean PIEMONTE 75’), 12. Hayden D’AGONSTINO, 16. Paul SAVIO, 20. Parys OKAI, 22. Chris THEODORIDIS (GK)

Unused Subs: 17. Ricardo GONZALEZ, 30. Darcy VICKERY (GK)

Goal: Lujic (90’)

Hume City: 1. Chris OLDFIELD (GK), 3. Ben HARRISON (12. Jarryd BARNES 70’), 4. Isyan ERDOGAN ©, 5. Steven PACE, 7. Atilla OFLI, 11. Nick HEGARTY, 15. Zoran PETREVSKI, 17. Phillip RICCOBENE, 20. Archie TOMIC (9. Pece SIVESKI 56’), 22. Howard FONDYKE, 32. Bobby VIDANOSKI (10. David CHICK 56’)

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

Goal: Ofli (87’)

Yellow Cards: Petrevski (43’), Erdogan (62’), Chick (71’)

Why Ange Postecoglou is the best solution for Melbourne Victory

After Melbourne Victory decided not to offer Interim Coach Jim Magilton the full-time position the biggest coaching position in the A-League became available and Brisbane Roar’s Ange Postecoglou is on the top of the list; well he should be.

Not only is Postecoglou Melbourne bred, after moving to the Victorian capital aged five from Greece, but is a legend in Melbourne Football. The 46-year-old has won two NSL titles as a player and also two as coach of South Melbourne between 1984 and 2000 and is the only man to be involved in all four NSL titles.

If the former South defender joins Melbourne Victory, he will cut the gap between A-League and NSL fans by bringing South fans and fans of the Greek Community of Melbourne closer, a move which FFA would definitely appreciate.

Ange Postecoglou

But not only would crowds increase, but the former Australia U-20 coach is probably the best, if not one of the best coaches in the country.

Postecoglou has done a brilliant job at Brisbane after re-shaping the club by changing training regimes, replacing the old with the young and also playing an attractive and successful brand of football, something which Victory would welcome.

Victory is arguably the biggest club in the country and they thrive on success which Postecoglou will most likely bring.

And those factors are exactly what needs to be done at Victory. The majority of the squad are aging and a number of players are out of contract so the time is now to re-shape.

Matthew Kemp, Billy Celeski, Danny Allsopp, Grant Brebner plus many more have had their time in the A-League and in the Melbourne Victory side so they need to move on. Postecoglou would be a perfect coach to move those on and use his immense recruitment skills to re-build the squad.

If the Victory board just look at the signings of Thomas Broich and Mohamed Adnan they will notice that Postecoglou has a good eye in recruitment.

So Postecoglou is definitely the man, especially when Graham Arnold is tipped to join Sydney FC and the rumours of Italian legend Gianfranco Zola joining are uncertain.

But you may ask why would Postecoglou leave when he has two years left on his current deal?

Well, Postecoglou is reportedly unhappy in Brisbane. According to a former unnamed teammate of Postecoglou’s at South Melbourne the Roar coach is not happy with the new Indonesian owners.

But also would like to return to Melbourne where a close family member is currently ill. Family matters just don’t stop there as Postecoglou would like to spend more time with his 13-year-old son who lives in Melbourne with Postecoglou’s ex-wife.

But this is not the first time Postecoglou has been interested in a Melbourne job. Reportedly before joining Brisbane Roar Postecoglou was very interested in joining Melbourne Heart, who at the time hadn’t appointed John van ‘t Schip while Postecoglou was unemployed.

Postecoglou will be interested in leaving Brisbane but one question remains. The new owners are reportedly going to offer Postecoglou a new deal but can they convince their current coach to extend his deal? Bear in mind Victory are likely to match any wage increase for the former Socceroo.

Although it doesn’t look Postecoglou will make a decision until the end of the current A-League final series and amidst an Asian Champions League campaign could mean Postecoglou will delay a decision if Victory were to make a move.

Piece also here

Champions League Special: Chelsea's path to the Champions League Semi-finals

Chelsea celebrate their victory over Benfica
Photo: SkySports

Chelsea have just booked their spot into the UEFA Champions League Semi-finals and a tie with FC Barcelona. But first here is how the Blues got to their sixth Champions League semi-final in nine seasons.

Chelsea got to a great start in Andre Villas-Boas UEFA Champions League (UCL) debut with a 2-0 victory over German runners-up Bayer Leverkusen.

Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz at the back defended well in the first-half which had two goals disallowed.

The Luiz showed promise of why some say the Brazilian should play in midfield. The former Benfica defender pushed forward before Brazilian finished brilliantly.

Mata finished off the Germans in stoppage-time when the Spaniard finished after Torres squared to Chelsea’s number ten.  

After starting well with a victory of Bayern Leverkusen the Blues couldn’t hold onto an early second-half lead to tie 1-1 with Valencia at the Mestalla.

Diego Alves for the Spanish side put in a man of the match shift to deny Chelsea that created many chances.

However the Brazilian couldn’t deny Frank Lampard who opened the scoring early into the second-half.

Lampard’s substitute Saloman Kalou was at fault late on when the Ivorian conceded a penalty for handling inside the box. Roberto Soldado stepped up and grabbed an 86^th minute equaliser.

Belgian side Genk was next to visit Stamford Bridge but the Belgians went home with no points after Chelsea demolished the Belgians 5-0.

Raul Meireles and Torres, yes the Torres, scored inside the opening ten minutes before the Spaniard scored his brace. Ivanovic and Saloman Kalou finished off the outstanding win with the other goals.

Not only did the Blues dominate the score line but also with 62% of possession and 13 to zero shots at goal.

Chelsea next travelled to Belgium to face Genk in the return fixture but only left with one point.

The Blues were in a rough patch after defeats to QPR and Arsenal and Villas-Boas was really feeling the pressure of being a Premier League manager.

Ramires gave the visitors the lead on 26 minutes but Luiz from the spot couldn’t convert which would bite the Blues on the behind.

Jelle Vossen volleyed home the equaliser with a fantastic finish with just half-an-hour to go.

Chelsea than travelled to Leverkusen for probably their toughest away trip in the group stage and flew back to London with no points as Leverkusen stole all three points in stoppage-time.

Didier Drogba gave the visitors the lead at the start of the second-half as the Ivorian held the ball up before turning and finishing excellently into the net.

However Eren Derdiyok headed home after Sidney Sam played a nice floated cross.

Manuel Friedrich leapt high at a stoppage-time corner to head superbly past Cech into the top corner to frustrate the Blues.

After Chelsea’s defeat to Leverkusen the Blues needed all three points or a nil-all draw to secure top spot in Group E. That is exactly what they did with 3-0 win over Valencia.

Despite the Valencian’s controlling the majority of possession the hosts took the lead through Drogba on 3 minutes before Ramires doubled the lead thanks to a great Drogba through-ball.

Cech was on form though to deny David Albelda before Jordi Alba smashed the post.

But it was all over when Drogba slide an effort past Alves in goals to give the Blues top stop in Group E ahead of Bayer Leverkusen.

After finishing top of Group E Chelsea were drawn with Italian side Napoli who finished runners-up to Bayern Munich in Group A. But the first-leg in Napoli didn’t go the Blues way.

Chelsea struggled and it may have been down to Villas-Boas’ decision to leave Michael Essien, Cole and Lampard all on the bench, a decision which played a part in the Portuguese’s eventual sacking.

The first-half was very entertaining as both sides pushed and created chances but Cech in goals stood firm before Mata gave the visitors the lead after a poor Paolo Cannavaro clearance.

In a six minute period before half-time Napoli took the lead through Ezequiel Lavezzi and Edinson Cavani.

Chelsea couldn’t get their passing game working as Ramires, Meireles and Malouda were ineffective in midfield and the visitors failed to find the net.

The first-leg was all over when Lavezzi scored his second after Luiz hesitated and Cavani found Lavezzi to finish with Cech nowhere to be seen.  

If Chelsea wanted to progress they needed to play their best on their home pitch under Interim boss Roberto Di Matteo, after Villas-Boas’ sacking, and that is what happened.

Headers from Drogba and then Terry just after break gave the hosts the lead on away goals before Gokhan Inler on 55 minutes scored an outstanding volley to give the Italians the lead.

But Andrea Dossena handled Ivanovic’s header in the box before Lampard stepped up to beat Morgan De Sanctis. The tie finished at 4-4 so the clash needed extra-time to find a winner.

A minute before half-time in extra-time Ivanovic won the tie with an impressive finish for a defender after Drogba picked out the Serbian.

Chelsea drew Portuguese side Benfica in the Quarter-finals and defended well and played on the counter.

Terry, Luiz and Cech were in good form to deny chances by tall forward Oscar Cardozo

Luiz would be important for the Blues as in the early parts of the second-half the Brazilian denied Cardozo on the line.

Chelsea started to penetrate the Benfica defence more as Mata rounded Artur but struck the upright.

Torres picked out Kalou inside the box with an inch-perfect cross for the Ivorian to poke home the opening goal of the tie.

The tie wasn’t over as Chelsea lead 1-0 into the home tie and Benfica threatened the Chelsea goal.

But Chelsea doubled the aggregate lead when Lampard converted a penalty after Javi Garcia took down Cole.

Benfica were reduced down to ten men as Maxi Pereira was given his second yellow card.

Cech denied Cardozo once again before Ramires missed a huge chance to finish off the visitors which will hurt the Blues.

With six minutes to go Garcia rose, unmarked to head home from a great corner, game on.

Benfica only needed one goal to go through on away goals Meireles ran half the pitch before finished fantastically into the top corner.

Piece also here

VPL Wrap- Round 2

Josh Kweifio-Okai (centre) wasn't the only one smling when he scored Richmond's second goal. Photo: JOHN PUNSHON

Thunder continue great start
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.

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 Nate 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 Luke 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.

Five minutes into the second-half Dandenong were given a penalty after Jarryd 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.

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.
*Courtesy to FFV 

Oakleigh v South
South Melbourne have made it two-from-two on Friday night with a 3-1 win over Oakleigh Cannons at Jack Edwards Reserve.

Former South forward Jesse Krncevic had the first chance of the clash but couldn’t hit the target.

On 14 minutes the Cannons had another chance to open the scoring but this time Ricky Diaco fired his effort wide with his left foot.

Glen Trifiro for South created the visitors first chance of the game from a free-kick but Trifiro’s ball placed over.

On 24 minutes Oakleigh opened the scoring thanks to a smashing left-footed drive from midfielder Hayden Doyle.

South came out for the second-half as a different side but it was former South defender Ramazan Tavsancioglu who almost scored an own-goal after deflecting a cross. However Cannons goalkeeper Daniel Neesham made a fantastic save to save the blushes of Tavsancioglu.

On 56 minutes Neesham saved Trent Rixon’s effort but Fernando De Moraes tapped home to equalise for the visitors.

Diaco was looking to give his side the lead but Peter Gavalas was at hand to save the former Melbourne Victory striker’s free-kick.

South pushed for their second and De Moraes was unlucky to strike the post, however the luck was in favour of South as in the build up the injured Doyle played the Brazilian onside.

And the visitors did take the lead through former Melbourne Victory utility Joe Keenan who fired home on his left foot.

In stoppage-time Rixon finished off the Cannons on the counter to make it 3-1.
*Thanks to FFV and Rory Flanagan for the insight. 


Richmond v Bentleigh
Richmond got their first win of the season with a 2-0 defeat of Bentleigh Greens on Friday night to condemn the Greens to their first defeat of the season after last week’s win over Green Gully.

Josh Kweifio-Okai, who scored last week against Northcote City thought he opened the scoring on 18 minutes but the Assistant Referee ruled it out for offside.

But that decision didn’t hurt the hosts because on 34 minutes they opened the scoring through Daniel Visevic. The former Victory youngster slotted home opener after Timmy Purcell’s initial effort was deflected.

Early into the second-half Kweifio-Okai did score his goal when he volleyed past Melbourne Victory goalkeeper Lawrence Thomas.

Bentleigh pressured the Richmond defence but couldn’t create any real chances, which was a complete opposite to last week, until stoppage-time, when Wayne Wallace flicked on to Phillip Arnold who struck the woodwork. Evan Batsis followed-up with an effort but the Richmond defence stood strong to block the young forward’s attempt.

*Thanks to FFV and Neil Zimmerman for the insight. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Stars open their account
Southern Stars picked up their first ever points in Victoria’s premier competition when they defeated Northcote City at Kingston Heath on Saturday night.

James Kalifatidis opened the scoring with a terrific glancing header past Frazer Siddle, from good build up play by Northcote through the right wing.

Determined not to have a repeat of last week’s performance, Stars replied almost instantly when they were awarded a penalty in the 4th minute which Alan Kearny put away coolly.

In fairness, Northcote dominated the match up until the 21st minute where Southern Stars went 2-1 up after a brilliant corner from the Stars’ skipper was headed home by Yannis Galanos.

At the half hour mark, Patrick Sullivan demonstrated his form seen in at Shamrock Rovers with a shot 20 yards out from goal which Chris Petropoulos struggled to deal with, fumbling the ball but eventually retaining possession.

Northcote’s Paul Savio had a goal disallowed 6 minutes from half time, after his header was ruled offside.

The second half was dominated by City and they should have equalized in the 61st minute after a back pass went horribly wrong for Luke Fitzpatrick which was intercepted by Milos Lujic, who shockingly put the ball wide after Siddle was well off his line.

There was a nervy end to the game for Stars where Northcote threw everything at them, but the home outfit defended well and won their first game in the Victorian Premier League

Southern Stars coach Dean Hennessey was pleased with the courage to come back and record their first win in the VPL.

“To go a goal down within a minute, it takes a lot of courage to come back and I think that’s the character we’ve got in that dressing room,” Hennessey said.

*Match Report provided by follow Goal! Weekly reporter Donald Sutherland

Knights get off the mark
Melbourne Knights have got off the mark with their first win of the season with a 3-0 defeat of ten man Moreland Zebras at Epping Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Moreland Zebras were looking strong in the early minutes and Vincent Faherty had the first chance of the game between two sides that had lost in the first round, but the Irishman fired just wide.

Steven Weir for the hosts was looking sharp and ran onto a great through ball but Knights ‘keeper Aaron Romein made a fantastic one-handed save.

If Moreland were going to score if would likely come from set pieces and as Faherty flicked his header wide before Weir tried his chances from 20 yards but sliced his effort wide.

Knights started to get into the game with a hold of the possession and Adam Zilic had their best chance but headed over Josip Kozic’s cross.

That chance spurred on the visitors and Jacob Colosimo cutback to Brother Anthony but the wide man blazed the golden chance over the crossbar.

The game was changed on 57 minutes when Kaya fouled Jacob Colosimo inside the box and was subsequently given a straight red card for being the last man. However the fullback did look like he did get some of the ball.

Kozic stepped up and sent Griffin McMaster the wrong way and opened the scoring.

Knights celebrate scoring
Photo: Melbourne Knights

Former South forward Weir had a good opportunity to level the game from a set-piece but the number eleven’s curling free-kick agonisingly missed Romein’s goal.

On 78 minutes Knights doubled the lead through Yusuf Yusuf who scrambled home the ball after Jacob Colosimo was denied by McMaster.

Zebras struggled to contain possession and string together a few passes whereas Knights comfortably held possession and pushed forward looking for a third.

On 83 minutes Jake Nakic, who recently joined from the Melbourne Victory Youth side came on for goal scorer Yusuf and should have scored with his first touch but fired just wide.

On the edge of stoppage-time Jacob Colosimo was denied once again by a brilliant low save by McMaster.

Nakic could have scored a hat-trick in the last ten minutes but once again the 2011 VPL Goalkeeper of the Year dived high into the top corner to deny the attacking midfielder before saving at the near post from a good header.

In stoppage time Louis Fenton finished it off for the visitors with a tap in after Carl Recchia missed a clearance before Jacob Colosimo cutback to the New Zealander on debut.

Wrap also here