VPL Wrap: Hume looking hot

It was one of the more exciting rounds of Victorian Premier League action on the weekend with cracking matches all over. Dandenong Thunder remained unbeaten, Hume City continued their hot streak while Northcote defeated South Melbourne in the ultimate grudge match and Heidelberg hosted Bentleigh in what could be the match of the season so far.


Oakleigh Cannons 1 (Goran Zoric 12’)
Dandenong Thunder 1 (Luke Sherbon 26’)
Jack Edwards Reserve

Dandenong Thunder remained unbeaten for the season but winless for two straight weeks as they were held to a draw by second placed Oakleigh. The Cannons needed a win to keep within striking distance of the top of the table Thunder and were looking good value when Goran Zoric’s curling shot found the bottom corner.

It was not to be though, as Luke Sherbon’s equalised early with a cracking volley, and despite the home team hitting the post, it was all Thunder until the full time whistle.


Richmond 0
Hume City 2 (Jarryd Barnes 8’, Nick Hegarty 20’)
Kevin Bartlett Reserve

Richmond continued to struggle while Hume picked up their third win in a row to launch them into true finals contention. City scored two early goals and finished the match off easily, never being truly tested.

With four wins in their last five starts, Hume’s performances have finally found the consistency they were lacking following the departure of Richie Cardozo to Austria in the off-season and with Southern Stars up next round they will look to continue their form.




Green Gully Cavaliers 0
Melbourne Knights 1 (Jake Nakic 50’)
Green Gully Reserve

An away win against the current Double Champions is not a bad way to open your account for a new coach, and that is exactly what Melbourne Knights’ new Head Coach Andrew ‘Stabba’ Marth did this weekend when he took charge of his beloved club in the VPL for the first time.

It was a much needed win for the former NSL heavyweights, as they now have a small buffer between themselves and the drop zone.


Southern Stars 2 (David Stirton 29’ 43’)
Moreland Zebras 1 (Stuart Nicholson 50’)
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

Southern Stars climbed higher up the ladder as two David Stirton first half goals from set pieces were enough to hold off fellow promoted side Moreland Zebras. Even with ex Hyundai A-League players Griffin McMaster, Chris Grossman and Kliment Tasevski on the field for Moreland, the Zebras struggled to get a foothold in the match and the score line represented that.


Heidelberg United 3 (Arthur Papadopoulos 35’, Evan Christodoulou 41’ 88’)
Bentleigh Greens 3 (Paulo Retre 77’ 89’, Aron Wilford 92’)
Olympic Park

With four goals in the final five minutes, the finish to this match was one for the ages. Heidelberg desperate for a win thought they had it all sewn up in the 88th minute when Evan Christodoulou scored his second to give the Bergers a 3-1 lead.

A quick reply from Paulo Retre got the home fans nervous before an injury time goal from Aron Wilford sealed the comeback.

While far from confirmed with half a season to go, relegation looks a likely outcome at the moment for the former NSL Grand Final winners, as even a mid-season coaching change has yet to improve their fortunes.

Bentleigh meanwhile remain in third position, but their results of late have been less than convincing despite their impressive playing style, and with the rise of Hume City they could find themselves dropping down the ladder soon.


South Melbourne 0
Northcote City 1 (James Kalifatidis 47’)
Lakeside Stadium

South Melbourne fans are baying for blood after another loss, this time to Greek rivals Northcote City. What made this match tastier, and the win even sweeter for City was that last season’s top three players and Head Coach were all in South Melbourne colours.

The off-season spending spree has not worked for South, and despite the fans calling for change, perhaps the best thing would be to give their coach and squad some time. Football isn’t always a sprint.

POS		TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1		Dandenong Thunder	9	7	2	0	20	3	17	23
2		Oakleigh Cannons	9	5	2	2	13	9	4	17
3		Bentleigh Greens	9	5	1	3	17	13	4	16
4		Hume City	9	5	1	3	10	9	1	16
5		Northcote City	9	5	1	3	13	13	0	16
6		Green Gully Cavaliers	9	5	0	4	14	11	3	15
7		South Melbourne	9	3	2	4	12	11	1	11
8		Southern Stars	9	3	2	4	10	15	-5	11
9		Richmond	9	2	4	3	10	11	-1	10
10		Melbourne Knights	9	3	0	6	9	12	-3	9
11		Heidelberg United	9	1	2	6	8	18	-10	5
12		Moreland Zebras	9	1	1	7	8	19	-11	4

Round Ten:
Bentleigh Greens v South Melbourne
Dandenong Thunder v Green Gully Cavaliers
Northcote City v Oakleigh Cannons
Hume City v Southern Stars
Melbourne Knights v Richmond
Heidelberg United v Moreland Zebras