Round 11 of the Victorian NPL is in the books, with some interesting results occurring over the weekend.
While some sides continue their battle for a top-six spot, others find themselves fighting for survival as the relegation battle tightens. Which sides are looking like contenders and which sides are struggling?
Find out below!
GAME CALLED EARLY
Melbourne Knights v Oakleigh Cannons
Beginning to lose touch with a finals position, the Knights hosted the Cannons on Friday night in the opening Round 11 fixture desperate for a win. Though a ball wouldn’t even be kicked, with the officials postponing and cancelling the game due to wet weather before kickoff.
GULLY JUMPS INTO THE TOP SIX
Green Gully 4-0 Heidelberg United
Green Gully extended their undefeated run to four games, demolishing the Bergers in the second half. After a scoreless opening 45 minutes, Alex Salmon broke the deadlock in the 65th minute from the penalty spot. Melbourne Victory loanee Gianluca Iannucci stood up with a brace to seal the game for his side. In the 86th minute Luc Jeggo put the icing on the cake, making it 4-0.
CITY KEEP AVONDALE AT BAY
Avondale 0-0 Dandenong City
Dandenong City put in a gallant effort coming away with a point in their away clash against Avondale. Despite going a man down with John Kuol red-carded before half time, Dandy keeper Jasmin Keranovic stood up with several key saves to ensure his side kept a clean sheet. Denying both Liam Boland and Joey Katebian late in the game. Though picking up a result, the side still linger in the relegation play-off spot.
FAST START PROVES THE DIFFERENCE FOR SOUTH
South Melbourne 3-0 Port Melbourne Sharks
South Melbourne ran out comfortable winners over the Sharks, running out three goals winners at Lakeside Stadium. South got off to a hot start, scoring twice inside the opening 10 minutes with Max Mikkola and Alun Webb scoring. Harry Sawyer then added a third goal in the 35th minute to put the game out of reach for the Sharks.
HUME GET OFF THE MARK
Hume City 1-0 Eastern Lions
After 10 games without a win, Hume City finally got the mark in Round 11 with a narrow win over the Eastern Lions. After a scoreless first half, Lachlan Weier scored in the 69th minute with his first goal of the season. Though still in the relegation zone, Hume climb off the bottom of the ladder.
ALL SQUARE IN KINGSTON HEATH
Bentleigh Greens 0-0 Altona Magic
Securing a draw at home over the Magic, Bentleigh jumped up to fourth spot on the ladder. With the contest scoreless at half time, neither side were able to break the dead lock in the second half.
THUNDER SCALP ST ALBANS
Dandenong Thunder 2-1 St Albans Saints
Going down to the Thunder at Churchill Reserve, the Saints missed their opportunity to make the top-six. It was the Thunder skipper Ali Sulemani who broke the deadlock in the 39th minute to put his ahead at the main break. The Saints equalised in the 58th minute courtesy of a Nikola Jurkovic goal, though would go down again. Tomas Maricic scoring in the 76th minute which proved to be the winning goal.
