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After narrowly missing out on finals football in 2011 by a single point, Northcote City have made no mistake this time around and will nwo contest an Elimination Final against Bentleigh Greens on Friday night at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex 7:30pm.
Season Summary:
After the disappointment of last season, Northcote City finished fifth on the VPL standings this time around on thirty-three points, just one point ahead of pre-season favourites South Melbourne. After an up and down start to the season, Northcote managed to seal its place in this seasons finals with a game to play with an away victory to last season’s runner-up Oakleigh Cannons at Jack Edwards Reserve.
Despite conceding thirty one goals (only three teams conceded more) and scoring twenty eight (eighth in the league), Northcote have managed to keep it together for the most part and ensured that last season’s failure did not repeat itself.
This year's acheviements are all the more impressive when you consider that their three best players of 2011; Trent Rixon, Jason Trifiro and Glen Trifiro all transferred to South Melbourne as well as Head Coach Peter Tsolakis.
Finals Path:
Despite conceding thirty one goals (only three teams conceded more) and scoring twenty eight (eighth in the league), Northcote have managed to keep it together for the most part and ensured that last season’s failure did not repeat itself.
This year's acheviements are all the more impressive when you consider that their three best players of 2011; Trent Rixon, Jason Trifiro and Glen Trifiro all transferred to South Melbourne as well as Head Coach Peter Tsolakis.
Finals Path:
After grabbing the fifth and final spot, Northcote City will face Bentleigh Greens Friday night in an elimination final at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex. The winner of this contest will face the loser of the second vs third Qualifying Final between Oakleigh Cannons and Green Gully Cavaliers while the loser will start planning their summer holiday.
Player to look outfor:
James Kalifatidis. After the departure of Trent Rixon before the start of the season, Kalifatidis has done his part; scoring nine goals on the way to being his club's top goalscorer. The twenty–two year old striker must be in top form this week if he is to help his side get past the Greens and earn another week of finals football.
Why they will beat Bentleigh:
They have nothing to lose. The side that finishes fifth is rarely ever expected to make a deep run in the finals so therefore with no pressure on their shoulders Northcote might just have a surprise or two for VPL fans.
This match up will also suit City as they are yet to lose to Bentleigh in the history of the VPL, earning three wins and drawing three. This season Northcote defeated their opponents away from home 3-2 and were held to a 1-1 draw on home soil.
Why they won’t beat Bentleigh:
This match up will also suit City as they are yet to lose to Bentleigh in the history of the VPL, earning three wins and drawing three. This season Northcote defeated their opponents away from home 3-2 and were held to a 1-1 draw on home soil.
Why they won’t beat Bentleigh:
Form. Northcote's form has not been great in recent weeks as they have only managed to pick up one win in the past five games. This is something that must be addressed if they are going to go deeper into the finals series.
Prediction:
Prediction:
Bentleigh Greens 1-1 Northcote City (Northcote 5-4 on penalties)
DETAILS:
DETAILS:
Who: Oakleigh Cannons vs Bentleigh Greens
Where: Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
When: Friday 21 September, 7:30pm
Team previews for the Qualifying Final: Oakleigh Cannons v Green Gully Cavaliers.
Team previews for the Qualifying Final: Oakleigh Cannons v Green Gully Cavaliers.