The Football Sack | Grabbing the A-League by the balls

VPL Wrap: The one that got away

2013-05-20T10:09:00.001+10:00

A weekend which initially looked to be a reasonably stock-standard round of Victorian Premier League matches turned into an exciting collection of games highlighted by Miron Bleiberg's return to the State League, a big upset with Hume City defeating South and Richmond again lamenting the one that got away.

Pascoe Vale 0
Bentleigh Greens 1 (Batsis 51')
Hosken Reserve

One goal was enough for Bentleigh Greens to take all three points from their encounter against Pascoe Vale. Evan Batsis' strike in the early stages of the second half shot Bentleigh up to second place on the VPL table.

Pascoe Vale take on in-form Dandenong Thunder next week while Bentleigh Greens host Melbourne Knights on Friday night in what should be an interesting contest.

Oakleigh Cannons 0
Dandenong Thunder 1 (Bran 58')
Jack Edwards Reserve

Miron Bleiberg's return to coaching in the VPL was spoiled by a second half Bryan Bran penalty. The Grand Final rematch lived up to expectations however as the visitors were clearly the better team on the night and were deserved of the three points.

Next week Dandenong take on Pascoe Vale in the last of five home lockout matches while Oakleigh travel to South Melbourne who will be eager for three points.

Hume City 3 (Sumbul 24’ Ofli 28' Canham 81’)
South Melbourne 2 (Hatzimouratis 45’ (pen) Kelly 58’)
Broadmeadows Valley Park

Hume City caused arguably the upset of the round after defeating powerhouse South Melbourne in a thrilling encounter. South looked to complete yet another come from behind victory in a matter of weeks however a late Sean Canham strike sealed all three points for the hosts.

Hume take on winless Richmond next week while South Melbourne play host to Oakleigh Cannons.

Northcote City 2 (Piemonte 58’ Obradovic 88’)
Green Gully Cavaliers 0
John Cain Memorial Park

Northcote City extended their unbeaten 2013 VPL season with a 2-0 victory over Green Gully. The hosts overpowered the Cavaliers in the second half, leaving them with only one win on the board after six rounds.

Former Melbourne Victory player Rodrigo Vargas will be disappointed after receiving two yellow cards late in the game, leaving him out of next week's clash against Port Melbourne. Northcote City travel to Southern Stars.

Melbourne Knights 3 (Alijenad 6' J.Colosimo 76 A.Colosimo 78')
Southern Stars 0
Knights Stadium

Melbourne Knights secured their first win since Round Two in a fairly lacklustre game at Knights Stadium. Shayan Alinejad scored the opener after just six minutes before brothers Jacob and Anothony Colosimo both stamped their names on the scoresheet in the second half.

Melbourne Knights take on Bentleigh Greens next week in a mouth-watering clash while Southern Stars will host undefeated Northcote City.

Richmond 1 (Karaham 5')
Port Melbourne Sharks 2 (Ibrahim 17' Sarkies 49')
Kevin Bartlett Reserve

Looking for their first win of the season, Richmond took an early lead against Port Melbourne with Karahan's header after just five minutes. However, former Melbourne Heart players Kamal Ibrahim and Kristian Sarkies sealed the three points for the visitors with goals either side of the break.

Cellar-dwellers Richmond host Hume city next week, while Port Melbourne take on Green Gully.

Ladder after Round Six

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Northcote City SC	6	6	0	0	20	3	17	18
2	Bentleigh Greens SC	6	4	1	1	11	4	7	13
3	South Melbourne FC	6	4	0	2	13	9	4	12
4	Melbourne Knights FC	6	3	2	1	10	7	3	11
5	Dandenong Thunder SC	6	4	1	1	11	4	7	10
6	Port Melbourne Sharks SC	6	3	1	2	8	6	2	10
7	Hume City FC	6	3	0	3	8	15	-7	9
8	Pascoe Vale SC	6	2	0	4	6	8	-2	6
9	Oakleigh Cannons FC	6	1	2	3	4	9	-5	5
10	Green Gully Cavaliers SC	6	1	1	4	6	10	-4	4
11	Southern Stars FC	6	0	2	4	3	12	-9	2
12	Richmond FC	6	0	0	6	7	20	-13	0

Round Seven Fixtures
Bentleigh Greens v Melbourne Knights, 8:15pm Friday 24 May, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Richmond v Hume City, 8:30pm Friday 24 May, Kevin Bartlett Reserve
Dandenong Thunder v Pascoe Vale, 3pm Saturday 25 May, George Andrews Reserve
Green Gully v Port Melbourne, 3pm Saturday 25 May, Green Gully Reserve
Southern Stars v Northcote City, 6pm Saturday 25 May, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
South Melbourne v Oakleigh Cannons, 5pm Sunday 26 May, Lakeside Stadium

Lee named Olympic head after coaching walk-out

2013-05-18T15:59:00.002+10:00

Sydney Olympic have announced Grant Lee as their new head coach for the remainder of this season as well as 2014.

Following the surprise resignation of coach Peter Tsekenis, assistant coach Peter Papoythis and captain Phil Makrys, Olympic officials have acted swiftly to make the most of what is an unfortunate situation.

New coach Grant Lee sizes up Belmore Sportsground. Credit: Sydney Olympic

Tsekenis coached Olympic for two and a half seasons and led the club to a Championship in his first year but has been unable to replicate this success in subsequent seasons. Olympic currently sit sixth after nine rounds of football in the IGA NPL NSW Mens 1.

Lee is a former Olympic legend having won a Grand Final with the club in the National Soccer League (89/90).

Club President Chris Tsioulos was on hand today to welcome Lee back to Sydney Olympic.

"I'm privileged this afternoon to announce the stalwart of Sydney Olympic, a Grand Final hero, in his appointment as first grade coach for season 2013 and 2014.

"On behalf of all the fans, the players and the Board of Sydney Olympic I'd like to welcome you on board.

"We hope you are able to achieve the same levels of successes as a coach as you did as a player at Sydney Olympic.

"As fond as the old memories are we're quite certain you're going to make new memories."

Watch the full interview below:

NSW Wrap: Bonnyrigg, Sutherland win again

2013-05-14T22:47:00.002+10:00

Bonnyrigg White Eagles continued their undefeated season with a 2-0 win over fierce rivals and third placed Sydney United.

Bonnyrigg inflicted just United’s second loss of the season and moved three points clear of second place Sutherland Sharks who also collected the three points over the weekend against Blacktown Spartans.

Central Coast Mariners Academy 2-2 Manly United
(Lawson 42’ (og), Cirjak 81’), (Sim 68’pen, 71’)

The Mariners academy picked up their second point of the season with a late goal to equalise against Manly after the hosts took the lead just before half time through an own goal.

Tomislav Cirjaks 81^st minute strike cancelled out a Mat Sim three minute brace in which he scored through a penalty and a deflection. Cirjak’s power shot was struck to well and Dylan Mitchell couldn’t keep it out.

Under 20’s: Central Coast 1-5 Manly
Next Week: Rockdale City Suns v Central Coast Academy
Manly United v Sutherland Sharks

Blacktown City 3-0 Marconi Stallions
(Gaitatzis 36’, Major 45'+1’, Rooney 62’)

Blacktown City continued their fine form and moved into fourth spot on the ladder as they put three past Marconi on Saturday night.

Harris Gaitatzis found himself unmarked in the box in the 36^thminute and finished the tap in after Ryuji Miyazawa provided the ball across. The home side followed it up nine minutes later in a crushing blow to Marconi’s spirits as Travis Major scored from close range right on half time.

The ever reliable Rooney added another just after the hour mark to end the game.

Under 20’s: Blacktown City 2-1 Marconi
Next week: Blacktown Spartans v Blacktown City
Marconi Stallions v Sydney United

Sutherland Sharks 3-1 Blacktown Spartans
(Elasi 16', 47' Nikas 38'), (Kondek 85')

Sutherland Sharks ensured they maintained only a three point gap between leaders Bonnyrigg and themselves as they continued their fine start to the season which has seen only one loss.

Panni Nikas found the net in between an Nathan Elasi brace, and a three goal Sutherland lead just moments into the second half was too big a gap for the Spartans.

Elasi’s first was driven home on the right of the area, an impressive shot hit too well for ‘keeper Carlos Saliadarre. His second showed some great skill as he latched onto a great ball, beat the keeper and slotted home between two defenders. Wedged in between was Nikas’ ferocious hit from the edge of the area in the 38^th.

Greg Kondek found an 85^th minute consolation goal with a nice header across the goal into the bottom corner.

Under 20’s: Sharks 3-0 Spartans
Next week: Manly United v Sutherland Sharks
Blacktown Spartans v Blacktown City

Bonnyrigg White Eagles 2-0 Sydney United
(Canak 27', Chun 59')

A goal in both halves was enough for Bonnyrigg to take out one of the biggest fixtures in the New South Wales National Premier League calendar against their fierce rivals Sydney United.

Despite not their best performance of the season, it keeps them seven clear of United who sit in third place, with Sutherland in second just three points the leaders.

Alexander Canak scored the opener through a set piece as he got a slight touch to guide the ball into the far corner from Tynan Diaz’s free kick.

Just moments after prolific goal scorer Robbie Younis missed a great header chance, Bo Hyun Chun found the second for the White Eagles with a stunning 25 yard drive that Liam Reddy couldn’t keep out, getting a hand to it.

Under 20’s: Bonnyrigg 1-3 Sydney United
Next week: Sydney Olympic v Bonnyrigg White Eagles
Marconi Stallions v Sydney United

Sydney Olympic 2-0 South Coast Wolves
(Gauthier 54’, Haydar 80’)

Two second half goals for Sydney Olympic saw them overcome a disappointing South Coast Wolves at Belmore Sports Ground.

The win puts Olympic back into mid-table, just three points behind rivals Sydney United. The home side missed a few first half chances, but Amaury Gauthier and Ibrahim Haydar ensured they wouldn’t be made to pay for it.

Gauthier found himself beating two defenders in the box and latching onto a rebound to finish into the open net after his original shot was well stopped. Ten minutes before the end of the match, Haydar headed home with inch-perfect accuracy as he found the far bottom corner.

Read The Football Sack’s full match report here.

Under 20’s: Olympic 2-3 Wolves
Next week: Sydney Olympic v Bonnyrigg White Eagles
South Coast Wolves v APIA Leichhardt

APIA Leichhardt Tigers 1-3 Rockdale City Suns
(Taneski 88’ (pen) ) (Marlow 68’, Gan 70’, Cardozo 73’)

Six second half minutes saw Rockdale fire three goals past APIA Leichhardt in a game that looked set to finish goalless before the visitors blew the match out of the water between the 68^th and 73^rdminutes.

Themba Muata Marlow first headed home from a corner whipped into the far post, before Brendan Gan went up to also score with his head from a short corner routine. Richard Cardozo completed Manly’s six minute hattrick with an outstanding bicycle kick goal after a deflection sat up beautifully for him.

Nik Taneski’s 88^th minute penalty was only a consolation goal after he missed a penalty only two minutes earlier. The result means APIA continue to struggle down in second last place while Rockdale remain in the top five.

Under 20’s: APIA 3-1 Rockdale
Next week: South Coast Wolves v APIA Leichhardt
Rockdale City Suns v Central Coast

BPL Wrap: Big wins for Eastern Suburbs and Wolves

2013-05-14T11:35:00.002+10:00

Lions' Shoheel Kahn the difference against Rochdale.

Round 9 of the BPL threw few surprises as the two front-runners recorded convincing victories to maintain their solid run of form. Power, Capalaba and Easts grabbed vital wins to keep hot on their heels, while Brisbane Force enjoyed their first three points of the season – predictably against UQ.

Capalaba 3:2 Ipswich Knights

A brace from Antony Schiavo helped Capalaba to a narrow home victory over Ipswich that sees them climb into the top four for the first time this season.

Everyone will be talking about…

Capalaba’s solid home form. This was the Dogs’ third consecutive victory at John Fredericks Park, with Wolves the only visiting side able to muster a win there this season.

Yeah, but what happened?

Schiavo’s exhilarating run of goals continued as he got his name on the scoresheet midway through the first half. Mathias Waldmann then brought justice to the scoreline for the visitors in what was an even opening stanza. Schiavo struck again 20 minutes after the restart, before Scott Sargent sealed the result for the Dogs. A last-gasp penalty from Mitchell Davis made the scoreline look a lot tighter than it was on the balance of the second 45.

The numbers:

Capalaba – Schiavo’25, ’64; Sargent ‘77

Ipswich – Waldmann ’39; Davis ‘90+4

Looking ahead...

Capalaba’s top four credibility will be tested when they travel to high-flying Lions next week, while Ipswich will look to bounce back at home to Easts.

Wolves FC 5:1 North Star

A breathtaking individual display by five-goal Kado Aoci stole all the plaudits as Wolves thumped North Star at Carmichael Park.

Everyone will be talking about…

Aoci’s brilliant five. A deadly display of execution lifted Wolves’ number nine to the top of scorer’s charts with a remarkable 14 strikes from eight games.

Yeah, but what happened?

The Aoci show got under way with barely five minutes on the clock, as Wolves took ascendancy and dominated an overpowered North Star midfield. For all their chances, Wolves found it difficult to break through the last line of defence, but Aoci’s second goal right on half-time eased the home side’s frustrations. He didn't have to wait long to complete his hat-trick, scoring immediately after the restart. An unfortunate own goal soon after pegged the score back to two goals, but Aoci again responded almost immediately with his fourth. A perfect night’s work got better as the pocket-rocket made it five with 15 minutes to play to the ovation of the home crowd.

The numbers:

Wolves – Aoci ‘5, ‘45+2, ’46, ’53, ‘77

Star – OG ‘52

Looking ahead...

Albany Creek’s defence could be next in line for an Aoci battering in a week’s time, while Star will be desperate to get something out of their match with Logan.

Rochedale Rovers 0:2 Lions FC

A late Shoheel Khan brace firmly cemented Lions’ position as league leaders and condemned Rochedale down to an unfamiliar seventh on the table.

Everyone will be talking about…

Lions’ solidity and Rochedale’s inconsistency – the powerhouse of previous seasons seems no more – this their second consecutive loss to a top two team.

Yeah, but what happened?

Coming in on the back of a 0-3 battering at Wolves last week, Rochedale looked more composed and fought out an even first half against the league leaders. As the second period wore on, Rovers were finding it difficult to maintain a high tempo and Khan pounced on tired legs at the back. The striker opened the scoring with 15 to play and soon after sealed the result with a smart finish.

The numbers:

Lions – Khan ’75, ‘82

Looking ahead...

Rochedale will be glad a difficult and fruitless streak of games is over as they host UQ nest week. Lions welcome Capalaba knowing in-form Wolves are hot on their heels in second.

Logan Lightning 0:1 Peninsula Power

A first-half strike from Shaun Feuerriegal was enough to see Power collect all three points on the road at Logan – seeing them climb to third on the ladder.

Everyone will be talking about…

Offside calls that twice denied Power. A marginal decision went against Feuerriegal in the first half, but Baird’s disallowed finish had Power fuming.

Yeah, but what happened?

Although Power started the stronger with Warren Moon testing Brendan White in the opening moments, Logan settled in quicker and created the best chances of the first half. Power opened the scoring against the run of play when Michael Butters delivered an inch-perfect cross for Feuerriegal to calmly slot home. The second half was a case of whether the visitors could clinch the sealer, with Logan finding it difficult to penetrate deep into their opposition’s half. It wasn't to be for either side, with Power holding on with their third consecutive clean sheet.

The numbers:

Power – Baird ‘35

Looking ahead...

Power will be eager to maintain their solid defensive record and run of form when they host Brisbane Force next Saturday. Logan keep losing narrow games and will have their sights on all three points at North Star.

Brisbane Force 3:1 UQFC

The winless drought is over for Brisbane Force as they recorded their first three points of the season in a comfortable home victory over UQ.

Everyone will be talking about…

Can Force build on the victory? Having shown plenty of promise over the past few weeks, Force finally has a win on the board – can they now back it up or will it be a one-time hit against hapless Uni?

Yeah, but what happened?

UQ were once again deplorable in the first half and outrun by a hungrier and more composed Force side. Goals from Guy Bimrose and Lachlan Munn seemed to have sealed the result before half time, but the hosts added a third soon after the restart. UQ managed to grab only their third goal of the season midway through the second 45, but were once again outclassed by a fellow struggler.

Looking ahead...

Force have it all to do if they are to back up their victory at an in-form Power side, while UQ will be expected to continue their pointless season at Rochedale.

Eastern Suburbs 5:0 Albany Creek

A three-goal blitz late on from Easts blew out the score as the Tigers climbed to within a point of fourth placed Capalaba.

Everyone will be talking about…

The fall of Albany Creek. The surprise packet of the opening rounds of the season, Creek have been brought back to ground in this their second consecutive loss without being able to muster a goal.

Yeah, but what happened?

Easts showed vigour and speed off the blocks and deservedly took the lead through Jordan Farina in the sixth minute. Although the hosts were the dominant enforcer, Creek managed to contain their attacks and went into the break trailing by the solitary goal. The start of the second period mirrored the first, with Easts showing more hunger and doubling their lead through Justin McMullen. The Tigers would have undoubtedly had the memory of Capalaba’s stunning late comeback fresh in their minds and they put any such possibility to bed during a sensational six minutes of play. First McMullen completed his brace, then shortly after Apai Ukuno turned it into a rout. Daniel Cunha made it five moments later to sound warning bells in Creek’s defence.

The numbers:

Easts – Farina ‘6; McMullen ’58, ’83; Ukuno ’86; Cunha ‘89

Looking ahead...

Easts may enter the top four with a win at Ipswich next week, while Albany Creek can easily find themselves in what earlier looked like an unlikely scenario of three consecutive defeats after they host Wolves.

VPL Wrap: Northcote ahead of the pack

2013-05-13T10:51:00.000+10:00

After a week off for the State Knockout cup, the Victorian Premier League resumed with some surprise results.

After five rounds, Northcote City are the surprise leaders having not dropped a point and building a three point gap on the chasing pack. South Melbourne head the peloton after their come from behind win.

At the other end of the table Richmond are in real trouble having not got on the board yet. Hopefully former Melbourne Victory star Grant Brebner's appointment at the helm will lead Richmond to some better results.

Bentleigh Greens 1 (Wilford 64')
Oakleigh Cannons 1 (Diaco 90')
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

Oakleigh captain Ricky Diaco was the Cannons hero as his 90th minute toe poke earned a point away against the high flying Bentleigh Greens. Aron Wilford had earlier drifted forward to establish the initial lead. Perth Glory back-up keeper Lewis Italiano was superb for Oakleigh.

Bentleigh will feel they have the easier game next week although it's always hard to win at Pascoe Vale. Oakleigh have the much anticipated Grand Final rematch against Dandenong at home.

Port Melbourne Sharks 0
Northcote City 2 (Catalano 8’ Kalifatidis 85’)
JL Murphy Reserve

Northcote City remain undefeated and the runaway leader of the VPL with another solid win, this time against promoted Port Melbourne. The Sharks had been holding their own in the premier league but ran into a red hot Northcote outfit. At this early stage of the competition it is very hard to see where Northcote's first loss is going to come from.

Northcote host Green Gully next week in a mouth-watering fixture. Port Melbourne travel to the pointless Richmond.

Dandenong Thunder 4 (Topalovic 36’ Hopper 63’ 67' Foster 90’)
Hume City 0
George Andrews Reserve

Dandenong Thunder are starting to flex their muscle with their third win in a row, this time against Hume City. Thunder, who are still playing behind closed doors, have been a delight to watch over the past two weeks scoring seven goals and keeping clean sheets in both. Nate Foster and Luke Hopper are on the score-sheet for the second week running.

Dandenong travel to Oakliegh next week in the Grand Final rematch in what will be a belter of a contest. Hume City host second placed South Melbourne and need to get some points sooner rather than later if they want to stay in the finals race.

Green Gully Cavaliers 1 (Sanders 57')
Melbourne Knights 1 (Fraser 58')
Green Gully Reserve

The local derby between the Knights and Green Gully ended in a draw after the Cavaliers held the lead for only one minute. The old adage that you are most vulnerable straight after you've scored was proven correct as Matthew Sanders 57th minute header was cancelled out as Thomas Fraser equalised from the kick-off. Fraser would turn villain though as he missed a 93rd minute penalty which would have sealed all three points and put the Knights into the top three.

Green Gully visit the flying Northcote City next week, if you go to one VPL game this season make sure this is it. Melbourne Knight host the struggling Southern Stars.

Southern Stars 1 (Sadler OG 20')
Pascoe Vale 3 (Santilli 28' 76' Milardovic 86' (pen))
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

Pascoe Vale celebrated their first ever away win in the Victorian Premier League with a 3-1 result over the lowly Southern Stars. The score could have been more as the game was end to end stuff and Pascoe Vale had a penalty saved. Stars felt aggrieved with some of the refereeing decisions but need to put that behind them and concentrate on their own performances before they truly get out of touch with the finals pack.

Pascoe Vale have Bentleigh at Hosken reserve and the Stars travel to Sommers St to face the Knights.

South Melbourne 3 (Holmes 49' 69' Meredith 73')
Richmond FC 2 (Taseski 45'+2 Groenewald 47')
Lakeside Stadium

South Melbourne came from behind to steal the win against the battling Richmond. Not even former Melbourne Victory star Grant Brebner's appointment to the helm was enough to give Richmond their first points of the season. South Melbourne leap to second spot on the table and look like this might be the season that they play at the level many have expected for a few years.

Richmond are in real trouble and desperatly need points starting next week with a home game aganist Port Melbourne. South Melbourne head north to Broadmeadows Valley park to play Hume City.

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Northcote City SC	5	5	0	0	18	3	15	15
2	South Melbourne FC	5	4	0	1	11	6	5	12
3	Bentleigh Greens SC	5	3	1	1	10	4	6	10
4	Melbourne Knights FC	5	2	2	1	7	7	0	8
5	Dandenong Thunder SC	5	3	1	1	10	4	6	7
6	Port Melbourne Sharks SC	5	2	1	2	6	5	1	7
7	Pascoe Vale SC	5	2	0	3	6	7	-1	6
8	Hume City FC	5	2	0	3	5	13	-8	6
9	Oakleigh Cannons FC	5	1	2	2	4	8	-4	5
10	Green Gully Cavaliers SC	5	1	1	3	6	8	-2	4
11	Southern Stars FC	5	0	2	3	3	9	-6	2
12	Richmond FC	5	0	0	5	6	18	-12	0

Round Six Fixtures
Pascoe Vale v Bentleigh Greens, 8:30pm Friday 17 May, Hosken Reserve
Oakleigh Cannons v Dandenong Thunder, 8:30pm Friday 17 May, Jack Edwards Reserve
Hume City v South Melbourne, 3pm Sunday 19 May, Broadmeadows Valley Park
Northcote City v Green Gully Cavaliers, 3pm Sunday 19 May, John Cain Memorial Park
Melbourne Knights v Southern Stars, 3pm Sunday 19 May, Knights Stadium
Richmond v Port Melbourne Sharks, 7pm Sunday 19 May, Kevin Bartlett Reserve

Brisbane Premier League: Round 1 (catch-up)

2013-05-07T08:43:00.001+10:00

A catch-up round saw previously rained-out Round 1 BPL fixtures take place overt the weekend. Wolves got the show running with a comprehensive victory over arch rivals Rochedale, while Lions won yet again to increase their lead at the top. North Star came out on top in the battle of the cellar dwellers, while there were narrow wins for Peninsula, Capalaba and Ipswich.

Wolves FC 3:0 Rochedale Rovers

A clinical second half display by Wolves broke Rochedale’s six game unbeaten streak and allowed Wolves to remain hot on the heels of league leaders Lions.

Everyone will be talking about…

A first half of missed chances for Rovers and the goal that swung the momentum. The visitors could have easily been two or three in front at the break but for poor finishing. The turning point straight from the restart was a 35 metre cross-come-shot from Nathan Reardon that sailed into the far top corner of the net.

Yeah, but what happened?

Rochedale enjoyed the better chances of the first 45, with Wolves not managing a shot until 15 minutes into the match. Lucky to be heading into the tunnel with the score goalless, Sam Saif’s men came out with renewed vigour in the second half and took the lead through Reardon’s freak goal. With their tails up, the hosts pushed for a second and they were soon celebrating, James Richards slotting home from a tight angle after enterprising work from Kado Aoci. The third strike was all about Aoci, as he made something out of nothing from a long ball – winning a penalty after a sequence of sumptuous dribbling. He duly converted the spot kick and completed the classic scoreline over his teams’ arch nemesis.

The numbers:

Wolves – Reardon ’48; Richards ’67; Aoci ‘86(pen)

Looking ahead...

Wolves are in red hot form and will be strong favourites to beat North Star, while Rochedale host the match of the round against leaders Lions.

Logan Lightning 2:3 Lions FC

Lions edged out Logan in a five goal Friday night thriller at Cornubia Park to maintain top spot on the ladder.

Everyone will be talking about…

Are Lions firm title favourites? Class sides consistently manage to do just enough to get maximum results and that is exactly what Lions did, first coming from behind and then holding off late pressure from the hosts.

Yeah, but what happened?

Logan were in seventh heaven within three minutes of the start, as Doyle Bissett struck home the opener to the delight of the home fans. But the hosts became their own worst enemy just moments later, as a sloppy own goal gifted Lions an equaliser. The Richlands side didn’t look back after that, taking a two-goal lead through Shaun Carlos and Brodie Kenyon in the second half. Phillip Randal popped up to give Logan hope with five minutes on the clock, but Lions sustained the pressure and recorded another vital win on the road.

The numbers:

Logan – Bissett ‘3; Randal ‘85

Lions – OG ‘6; Carlos ’60; Kenyon ‘73

Looking ahead...

Logan will have another chance to pick up three points at home when they welcome Peninsula Power next Saturday night, while Lions travel to a much anticipated clash with Rochedale.

UQ FC 0:1 North Star

A first half header from Mikhail Hastings was enough to see ten-man North Star record their first points of the season at fellow cellar dwellers UQ.

Everyone will be talking about…

UQ’s goal drought. It has now been over six hours of football since the students celebrated a goal. In truth, it never looked like arriving during a match they could have got something out of.

Yeah, but what happened?

UQ were handed a huge boost on 17 minutes, as Star’s number nine Jake Sullivan was shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Sean Benecke. However, spectators arriving late would not have guessed Uni had a man advantage – the home side looking disjointed and out of sorts for the majority of the game. Star hit the lead when Hastings converted Dylan Milne’s pin-point cross from the flank and never looked likely to throw it away. Uni got their chance to snatch a point with three minutes remaining when Daniel Stewart-McLean found himself one-on-one with James Eccles, but his shot sailed over the bar and with it UQ’s chances of winning their first point of the season.

The numbers:

Star – Hastings ‘36

Looking ahead...

It’s hard to see how things can get worse for UQ, but it may take one solid performance to swing momentum. They will be hoping it comes at Brisbane Force next week. North Star will be buoyed by their first points of the year, but the going gets tough on the road at Wolves.

Peninsula Power 1:0 Albany Creek

A stunning long-range goal from Jordan Lowdon proved the difference in this north-side derby at AJ Kelly Park.

Everyone will be talking about…

Lowdon’s wonder goal. After picking up possession 40 metres from goal, Lowdon skipped past one midfielder before unleashing an unstoppable dipping shot worthy of winning any match.

Yeah, but what happened?

The first half tempo was lacking from both sides, with Creek holding the ascendancy and enjoying the majority of what few chances eventuated. Power picked up the pace in the second half and punished a bad spell from Creek when Lowdon unleashed within ten minutes of the restart. The visitors showed great fight towards the end but could not muster an equaliser that would have proved fair on the balance of play.

The numbers:

Power – Lowdon ‘53

Looking ahead...

Power will be buoyed by anther clean sheet, but will undoubtedly look to play a more expansive game at Brisbane Force next week. Creek will be desperate to keep pace with leaders Lions and get back to winning ways on the road at Easts.

Eastern Suburbs 1:2 Capalaba

Second half strikes from Antony Schiavo and Josh Sherwood completed an impressive comeback for the Dogs at Heath Park.

Everyone will be talking about…

A familiar scoreline for Easts. Their third consecutive and overall fourth 2-1 scoreline of the season this time saw Easts on the wrong end of the stick.

Yeah, but what happened?

The Tigers started with a bang and hit the lead through the in-form Jordan Farina just before the half-hour mark. Capalaba looked a more composed unit after the break, hitting back through another Schiavo goal. The visitors looked hungrier for the win as the clock wound down and they were rewarded for their enterprise through Josh Sherwood’s strike 20 minutes from full-time. The Dogs held off a string of late attacks from Easts to record a memorable away win.

The numbers:

Easts – Farina ‘28

Capalaba – Schiavo ‘51, Sherwood ‘72

Looking ahead...

Punters can back on another 2-1 result when Easts host Albany Creek next week, with the only unknown being the winner. Capalaba are hitting solid mid-season form and will be favourites at home to Ipswich.

Brisbane Force 1:2 Ipswich Knights

A dramatic last five minutes saw Ipswich overturn Force’s one goal lead to snatch a crucial three points and remain in touch with the top four.

Everyone will be talking about…

The late turnaround. Just when it seemed the visitors would be left frustrated after a string of missed opportunities and a resilient home defence, Knights struck twice in four minutes to steal all three points from Force’s grasp.

Yeah, but what happened?

After Force gained their first point of the season against Logan last week, the pressure seemed to have lifted and that’s the way the hosts started the game. A solid first half showing was made all the sweeter when Lachlan Munn scored minutes before the break. Ipswich threw everything forward in the second period, but it was to no avail, as Force seemed to be heading towards one better than last week and recording their first win of the season. But the visitors had other ideas and failed to give in – the breakthrough finally arriving through Jonas Rasmussen five minutes from time. Still Ipswich refused to settle for the draw, maintaining the pressure and sending bodies forward. The visiting bench was soon on their feet in jubilation – Mathias Waldmann netting home on the stroke of regulation time to complete the turnaround.

The numbers:

Force – Munn ‘40

Knights – Rasmussen ’85; Waldmann ‘89

Looking ahead...

Force will be heartbroken after such a defeat, but must remain confident of bouncing back at home to UQ. Ipswich will travel to an in-form Capalaba as underdogs, but riding on a high.

Brisbane Premier League: Round 8

2013-04-29T15:55:00.001+10:00

A string of close matches highlighted Round 8 of the BPL, with league leaders Lions FC the only team to win by a margin of more than a goal.

Power and Wolves played out an uncharacteristic 0-0 draw on Saturday afternoon, while Rochedale and Logan both went home with a point after 1-1 draws from their respective trips. Easts edged out a disappointed North Star, while Albany Creek and Capalaba dished out a seven-goal thriller.

Peninsula Power 0:0 Wolves FC

Power and Wolves played out an eventful goalless draw at AJ Kelly Park, leaving the visitors undefeated in five games and sitting third on the table.

Everyone will be talking about…

Two solid defensive displays. It was no surprise to see it from Wolves, who hold the best defensive record in the league. But Power’s effort was immense, considering the visitors had notched up 23 goals in their past four outings.

Yeah, but what happened?

Both sides enjoyed chances, but in the end their solid structures and high pressing cancelled each other out. Frustration seemed to get the better of Power’s Michael Baird towards the end, with the striker – now goalless in four games – receiving his marching orders in the 89^th minute.

Looking ahead...

Both teams are involved in crunch clashes next week, with Power hosting high-flying Albany Creek and Wolves entertaining old foes Rochedale.

North Star 1:2 Eastern Suburbs

Luck smiled on the Tigers during their trip to North Star on Saturday afternoon, as a contentious penalty and a Star own goal gifted them all three points.

Everyone will be talking about…

The condition of the pitch. There is such thing as an over-luscious green, with pace and slick passing almost entirely missing from the match and a big reason behind the high number of mistakes.

Yeah, but what happened?

After a disjointed start to the game, Easts were awarded a penalty for a nudge in the back during a tussle in the box – much to the frustration of the hosts. Ryan Stenhouse duly converted in the bottom left corner, sparking an immediate response from the hosts. Star enjoyed the majority of possession for the remainder of the half, aided by high pressing and aggression from the midfield. Their efforts were rewarded ten minutes before the break, when Jake Sullivan’s drive took a large deflection and found its way past Tom Carroll. Easts had the ascendancy and looked more likely to hit the lead, but as so often happens, quality sides find a way of edging in front. Easts’ Daniel Cunha squared an inviting ball from the left flank that a hapless Star defence could not deal with, eventually deflecting in their own net. The visitors proved the more resilient and organised side in the second period, holding on to their lead and climbing to fifth.

The numbers:

Star – Sullivan ‘35

Easts – Stenhouse ‘27(pen); OG ‘41

Looking ahead...

Easts will look to move into the top four when they entertain Capalaba next week, while North Star will have their best chance yet to gain their first points of the season when they travel to UQ.

Ipswich Knights 1:1 Rochedale Rovers

A horror second-half blunder from Knights ‘keeper Luke MacDonald handed Rovers a share of the spoils at Eric Evans Oval.

Everyone will be talking about…

MacDonald’s lapse in concentration. With his side leading 1-0, the hosts’ custodian inexplicably failed to grasp Joshua Falco’s tame effort, squirming through his legs and dubiously crossing the goal line.

Yeah, but what happened?

The hosts stunned Rochedale with a goal in their first foray forward. Mitchell Davis burst towards the goal line and cut back for Igor Sao Jose to strike home from close range. It was all Ipswich in the opening 15 minutes, with Rochedale constantly backpedalling under pressure. Rovers settled into the game, but Ipswich would rue not taking a further advantage after enjoying supremacy in the opening stanza. They were made to pay in controversial fashion ten minutes after the restart via a forgetful moment for MacDonald. To their credit, Knights picked up their first half tempo, but to no avail. In the end, it was Rovers who should have run away with the win, Jarryd McKeller’s thumping header rattling the post.

The numbers:

Ipswich – Sao Jose ‘2

Rochedale – Falco ‘56

Looking ahead...

Ipswich will be favoured to maintain their solid run of results when they travel to CJ Greenfield Reserve to take on Brisbane Force next Sunday. Rochedale will take on a much more testing assignment, travelling to an in-form Wolves FC.

UQ FC 0:4 Lions FC

Lions piled further misery on University in a comfortable Sunday afternoon win that sees them remain at the head of the table.

Everyone will be talking about…

Will UQ be able to muster a win this year? Coming up against the league leaders is no easy feat, but the students’ form is deplorable and confidence non-existent.

Yeah, but what happened?

The writing was on the cards from the outset for the hosts, with Brodie Kenyon grabbing a cool brace in the first half. The ever-impressive Kentaro Ishikawa assured all three points would be going back to Richlands midway through the second half. The rout was completed 15 minutes from time from the penalty spot, with Andrew Butler slotting home after another defensive blunder from Uni.

The numbers:

Lions - Kenyon ’13, ’40; Ishikawa ’68; Butler ‘73(pen)

Looking ahead...

Next week will perhaps be UQ’s best chance to pick up their first points of the season when they host fellow strugglers North Star. Lions face a potentially tricky trip to Logan.

Albany Creek 4:3 Capalaba

A Jared Austin hat-trick propelled Albany Creek to victory over Capalaba in a trilling encounter at Wolter Park.

Everyone will be talking about…

Austin’s 35-minute hat-trick. The marksman broke down the visitors’ defence in stunning fashion, taking his season tally to five goals.

Yeah, but what happened?

Austin was the star of the show in the first half, although Xavier Lopez gave the Dogs hope right on half-time with another sublime strike. Capalaba’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a major blow when Matt Needham restored Creek’s advantage two minutes after the restart. Capalaba refused to lie down and again hit back through Lopez ten minutes later. Both sides showed great spirit in contrasting situations – Capalaba pushing to get back into the game while Creek maintained organisation through the middle of the park. The Dogs’ constant pressure finally paid off with a minute of regulation time to go, when Scott Sargent’s goal set-up a grand-stand finish. A miraculous comeback wasn’t to be though, as Creek earned a dramatic three points that sees them keep the pressure on leaders Lions.

The numbers:

Creek – Austin ’16, ’26, ’35; Needham ‘47

Capalaba – ‘45+1, ’57; Sargent ‘89

Looking ahead...

Albany Creek will need to prepare for anything when they travel to an inconsistent Power side next week, while Capalaba will be desperate to get back to winning ways at Easts.

Brisbane Force 1:1 Logan Lightning

A second-half Taki Matsamuta strike earned Brisbane Force a well deserved draw – their first point in the 2013 BPL.

Everyone will be talking about…

The losing streak is over. Force have a point next to their name – what is undoubtedly a great relief for the league’s debutants.

Yeah, but what happened?

Logan looked on track to power towards a third consecutive victory when Daniel Messer opened the scoring midway through the first half. The Lightning remained in the ascendancy until half time but could not add to their lead. It was a case of a chance well taken for Force in the second period, when Matsamuta levelled proceedings 15 minutes after the restart. Buoyed by the scoreline, Force battled for the point and deservedly held out a frustrated Logan forward line.

The numbers:

Force – Matsamuta ‘61

Logan – Messer ‘23

Looking ahead...

Force will be eager to build on their first result when they host Ipswich next week, while Logan will look to maintain their four-game unbeaten streak when they welcome league leaders Lions.

VPL Wrap: Wheat from the Chaff

2013-04-29T12:03:00.000+10:00

Northcote City are the big winners from the weekend as they pounded Richmond 7-2 to remain the only unbeaten side in the Victorian Premier League. In the space of two games Northcote have score twelve times.

Green Gully are stuttering, Oakleigh will be lamenting lost points and Port Melbourne are holding steady in their first visit back to the VPL in years. In only four rounds Richmond have a negative goal difference of 11 and their work cut out for them for the rest of the season.

The league takes a break this weekend as VPL and State League One sides enter the State Knockout Cup.

Pascoe Vale 2 (Micovski 70' Ferrante 93')
Green Gully Cavaliers 1 (Vanega 44')
Hosken Reserve

Pascoe Vale celebrated their first ever win in the Victorian Premier League with a late winner over VPL mainstays Green Gully in front of a healthy crowd at Hosken reserve. Former West Ham youth player Michael Ferrante was the hero with a winner three minutes into stoppage time.

Oakleigh Cannons 1 (Diaco 25')
Southern Stars 1 (Obaze (66')
Jack Edwards Reserve

A brave Southern Stars outfit were able to keep Oakleigh to a draw despite playing the majority of the game with ten men and eventually nine. Coming from behind the Stars will hold this draw as one of their best ever results in the VPL while Oakleigh will be disappointed they could not take all three points in a game they should have won.

Richmond FC 2 (Lokvancic 5’ Armenian 52’)
Northcote City 7 (Piemonte 2’ 85’ Lujic 28’ 77’ Catalano 18’ Kounavelis 45’ Chiappetta 92’)
Kevin Bartlett Reserve

Northcote City shot to the top of the table with an emphatic 7-2 win over Richmond at Richmond. Northcote remain the only unbeaten side in the competition and look to be the goods at this early stage. Richmond are in struggle town and need a quick fix if they are to remain competitive this season.

Dandenong Thunder 3 (Kelly 25’ (OG) Hopper 77’ Foster 85’)
South Melbourne 0
George Andrews Reserve

South Melbourne were brought back down to earth with a thud after they suffered their first loss of the season to reigning premiers Dandenong. The Thunder are coming from back in the pack but look to be on track with this win against a side that had been playing good football.

Hume City 1 (Canham 4')
Bentleigh Greens 4 (Sherbon 58' 90+3' Etheridge 63' De Abreu 89')
Broadmeadows Valley Park

Bentleigh showed why they are favoured by many to take out silverware this season with a solid win away at Hume. Star recruit Luke Sherbon scored twice as the Greens keep up the pressure on flyers Northcote. Hume took an early lead but after half time it was a different game as Bentleigh flexed their muscles with four goals in just over half an hour.

Melbourne Knights 0
Port Melbourne Sharks 0
Knights Stadium

A 0-0 draw was the result at Knights Stadium on Sunday as neither the Knights nor Port Melbourne could break the deadlock in a captivating encounter. Both sides sit inside the top five at the minute but will need to be able to be better in front of goal if they are going to challenge the big guns throughout the season. Defensively it was important for the Knights to keep a clean sheet after they were routed 5-1 last week.

LADDER AFTER ROUND 4
POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Northcote City SC	4	4	0	0	16	3	13	12
2	Bentleigh Greens SC	4	3	0	1	9	3	6	9
3	South Melbourne FC	4	3	0	1	8	4	4	9
4	Port Melbourne Sharks SC	4	2	1	1	6	3	3	7
5	Melbourne Knights FC	4	2	1	1	6	6	0	7
6	Hume City FC	4	2	0	2	5	9	-4	6
7	Dandenong Thunder SC	4	2	1	1	6	4	2	4
8	Oakleigh Cannons FC	4	1	1	2	3	7	-4	4
9	Green Gully Cavaliers SC	4	1	0	3	5	7	-2	3
10	Pascoe Vale SC	4	1	0	3	3	6	-3	3
11	Southern Stars FC	4	0	2	2	2	6	-4	2
12	Richmond FC	4	0	0	4	4	15	-11	0

Round Five Fixtures
Bentleigh Greens v Oakleigh Cannons, 8:15pm Friday 10 May, Kinston Heath Soccer ComplexPort Melbourne Sharks v Northcote City, 8:30pm Friday 10 May, JL Murphy Reserve
Dandenong Thunder v Hume City, 3pm Saturday 11 May, George Andrews Reserve
Green Gully Cavaliers v Melbourne Knights, 3pm Saturday 11 May, Green Gully Reserve
Southern Stars v Pascoe Vale, 6pm Saturday 11 May, Kingston Heath Soccer Club
South Melbourne v Richmond, 3pm Sunday 12 May, Lakeside Stadium

Brisbane Premier League: Round Seven

2013-04-24T08:31:00.000+10:00

Round Seven of the BPL saw the first clear gap open up in the standings, be it at the unglamorous end of the table. Brisbane Force, North Star and UQ all trail their nearest opponents by seven points, remaining pointless and conceding goals for fun.

At the other end of the ladder, Wolves, Rochedale and Capalaba all enjoyed home wins, while leaders Lions were held by Ipswich. Finally, the late Sunday kick-off delivered the most dramatic finish, as Easts completed an impressive turnaround.

Capalaba 3:0 North Star

A Lopez-Schiavo inspired Capalaba side condoned North Star to their fifth successive defeat in a comfortable home victory that leaves them in 5th spot.

Everyone will be talking about…

The most effective strike partnership in the league. Xavier Lopez and Antony Schiavo have been turning the screws on opposition defences week-in week-out and with 13 goals between them in six games, they are the league’s most lethal front pairing.

Yeah, but what happened?

Overwhelming favourites before kick-off, Capalaba dominated possession and chances right from the offset. It didn’t take long for the Dogs to get on the scoresheet, Lopez getting on the end of a Joel Drewek free-kick with a sumptuous first-touch lob over the ‘keeper. Schiavo made it 2-0 right after the break when he capitalised on poor defending and wonderful supply from Greg Warden. In truth, the end margin could have been bigger for Capalaba, but Lopez’s late strike from a one-on-one situation proved to be the only addition to the scoreline.

The numbers:

Capalaba – Lopez ’13, ’87; Schiavo ‘46

Looking ahead...

Capalaba will face much stiffer opposition when they travel to high-flying Albany Creek next week, while North Star remain in search of their first points, which could come at home to Easts.

Wolves FC 6:2 Brisbane Force

Wolves made it four successive wins as Clulow grabbed a hat-trick in a Saturday afternoon goal-fest against struggling Brisbane Force.

Everyone will be talking about…

Wolves’ form. Since a disappointing 0-1 opening day loss to Lions, Sam Saif’s men have torn all opposition to shreds, scoring 23 goals and conceding only five in the process.

Yeah, but what happened?

The league’s joint top goalscorer Kado Aoci got the ball rolling early on with a low drive in the bottom corner. Trent Clulow grabbed his first of the evening soon after, but Force hit back through Marius Kalubi, who pounced on a Michael Pike mistake in goal. Force looked to be back in the contest but Chris Knowles restored the hosts’ two goal advantage right before half-time. That seemed to serve as a psychological blow for Force and the result was sealed when Clulow and Knowles completed their braces within ten minutes of the restart. Kalubi looked dangerous throughout the match and the Frenchman’s sublime 20-yard strike late on was among the pick of the goals. However all the plaudits went to Clulow, who sealed his hat-trick in stoppage time.

The numbers:

Wolves – Aoci ’10; Clulow ’14, ’50, ’90; Knowles ’43, ‘53

Force – Kalubi ’22, ‘86

Looking ahead...

Wolves are arguably the in-form team in the league and will travel to Peninsula as favourites, in what is usually a hotly contested matchup. Force remain pointless as they prepare for the visit of Logan.

Rochedale Rovers 3:1 Albany Creek

High-flyers Albany Creek were quickly dragged down to Earth by Rochedale’s decisive first-half display.

Everyone will be talking about…

Rovers’ resilience when down to ten men. With Rhys Hastings receiving his marching orders in the 34^th minute, Rovers refused to panic, kept their shape and held on to the lead they had earlier established.

Yeah, but what happened?

Matt Needham’s goalscoring fiesta in the BPL continued, Creek’s frontman getting on the scoresheet for the 8^th time in five games within ten minutes. The goal proved a double-edged sword for Creek, as Rochedale turned rampant with a furry of attacks in a frantic remainder of the first half. They were level through Greg Cheshire’s strike midway through the half and within seven minutes were two goals to the good. David Butler scored an early contender for goal of the season, controlling a long pass on his chest and volleying home in a moment of brilliance. Cody Lovell added a third moments later, but quickly went from hero to zero as he received his second yellow for a rash challenge. Creek had their chances in the second period but Rochedale held out for an impressive victory that sees them joint on 12 points with the visitors.

The numbers:

Rovers – Cheshire ’24; Butler ’28; Hastings ‘31

Creek – Needham ‘8

Looking ahead...

Rochedale have won four on the trot and will be confident ahead of their trip to Ipswich, while Albany Creek will be hungry to regain the taste of victory when they welcome Capalaba to Wolter Park.

Logan Lightning 4:0 UQ FC

The horror continues for UQ as Logan piled on the goals in a thumping win at Cornubia Park on Saturday night.

Everyone will be talking about…

A season to forget…continues for UQ. The students are still pointless after five matches and have managed a measly two goals, opposed to 21 conceded.

Yeah, but what happened?

Uni’s defensive shape held on for a mere 20 minutes this time around – Trent Vohland breaking the deadlock for the hosts. One quickly became two with a well taken goal by Doyle Bissett ten minutes later. The home crowd did not have to wait as long for the third, Blake Cearns piling on the misery for a hapless UQ side. To their credit, the visitors regrouped in the second half and looked much more competitive, although the tempo of the game had largely died down by then. Logan did manage a 4^th, Jackson Hall getting his name on the scoresheet late on.

The numbers:

Logan - Vohland ’21; Bissett ’32; Cearns ’35; Hall ‘88

Looking ahead...

Logan have a fantastic chance to grab two wins on the trot when they travel to fellow strugglers Brisbane Force next week. UQ look out of their depth in the league and will need a miraculous performance to take anything away from their match-up with top of the table Lions.

Lions FC 1:1 Ipswich Knights

Ipswich held on for an impressive draw at Lions, who drop their first points of the season but remain top of the table.

Everyone will be talking about…

Ipswich’s response to an early setback. Keita Furuie’s equaliser minutes after Lions had taken the lead took the hosts by surprise, from which they did not recover.

Yeah, but what happened?

A familiar storyline looked on the cards when Pablo Aviles opened the scoring for the hosts in the 11^th minute. But Ipswich had other ideas and immediately pressed the hosts up the park, forcing pressure on the Lions’ backline. They were soon rewarded as Furuie struck in the 16^thminute to the delight of the travelling support. It was a game of tussle for the remainder of the match, which Lions shaded but could not break down a resolute Knights unit.

The numbers:

Lions – Avile ‘11

Ipswich – Furuie ‘16

Looking ahead...

Lions will look at this match as two points dropped rather than a point gained, but they will have their mind clearly set on all three when they travel to UQ next week. Ipswich will take a lot of confidence from this performance into another tough encounter as hosts to Rochedale.

Eastern Suburbs 2:1 Peninsula Power

Power’s inconsistent form continued as Easts recorded a crucial come from behind victory to keep them in the chasing pack for the top four.

Everyone will be talking about…

Jordan Farina’s last-gasp injury time winner. With the game into stoppage time, Farina delivered the goods with a quality finish to send the home crowd into raptures.

Yeah, but what happened?

An impressive first half performance by Power was capped off by Lewis Bonar’s strike before half-time. But as they have shown earlier in the season, Power failed to maintain a steady tempo and Matthew Boyd punished them shortly after the restart. The visitors seemed content with a point but Easts had other ideas, committing men forward and getting their just reward for bold tactics through Farina.

The numbers:

Easts – Boyd ’50; Farina ‘90+1

Power – Bonar ‘42

Looking ahead...

Mid-table Easts will travel to pointless North Star as firm favourites next week, while Power will look to once again bounce back, this time at home to Wolves.

VPL Wrap: Reality Check

2013-04-22T11:37:00.000+10:00

Another great round of Victorian Premier League action saw Melbourne Knights and Green Gully Cavaliers come crashing back down to earth, as well as Bentleigh Greens put on notice that they will need to improve.

Bentleigh Greens 1 (Sherbon 32')
South Melbourne 2 (Norton 28' Van Eeken 83')
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

In what was arguably the match of the round, South Melbourne continued their unbeaten run in the VPL courtesy of a late Renco Van Eeken goal. It was the first loss of the season for Bentleigh Greens although they can take many positives out of the contest against the powerhouse.

South Melbourne travel to Dandenong next week in what will be a great spectacle – however it will be played behind closed doors as the Thunder have their third out of five locked-out matches. Bentleigh Greens take on Hume in Broadmeadows.

Port Melbourne Sharks 3 (Visevic 32' Hockless 68' Paton 82')
Pascoe Vale 1 (Talarico 78')
JL Murphy Reserve

Port Melbourne won the battle of the newcomers over Pascoe Vale however, despite the scoreline, the contest was evenly balanced. Adrian Talarico scored the visitors first ever goal in VPL football.

The winless Pascoe Vale host Green Gully Cavaliers on Friday night while Port Melbourne take on Melbourne Knights.

Dandenong Thunder 3 (Bran 70' Foster 82' 90')
Richmond FC 1 (Sweet 24')
George Andrews Reserve

The Premiers claimed their first win of the season over Richmond in a hard fought come-from-behind victory. The hosts trailed at half time and it wasn't until the 70th minute when they finally clicked into gear and sealed the points courtesy of a Nate Foster brace.

The win takes Dandenong off of negative points on the table and they now face league leaders South Melbourne in lockout number three of five. Cellar dwellers Richmond take on Northcote City.

Green Gully Cavaliers 0
Oakleigh Cannons 1 (Vittiglia 32')
Green Gully Reserve

2012 Grand Finalists Oakleigh Cannons also claimed their first win of the season over Green Gully at Green Gully Reserve. Despite the hosts dominating possession throughout the game, the visitors claimed all three points thanks to Reece Vittiglia's solo goal.

Green Gully travel to newcomers Pascoe Vale on Friday night while Oakleigh Cannons host Southern Stars.

Southern Stars 1 (Bonne 43')
Hume City 2 (Kaya 18' Sumbul 44')
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

Southern Stars remain winless after three rounds after going down 2-1 to Hume City. Bonne's equaliser just before half time was cancelled out just a minute later by Hume's Sumbul.

Southern Stars take on last year’s Grand Finalists Oakleigh Cannons while Hume City play host to fourth placed Bentleigh Greens.

Northcote City 5 (Kouvanelis 2' Lujic 12' 45' Piemonte 56' Sadler 58')
Melbourne Knights 1 (Fraser 1')
John Cain Memorial Park

Melbourne Knights were off to the perfect start away from home with a Fraser goal after just one minute but it was all Northcote City after that.

Kouvanelis scored an equaliser just a minute later and the goals kept flowing in a five goal domination. The win sees Northcote jump into first place on the table, overtaking the Knights and South Melbourne.

Northcote take on Richmond on Friday night while Melbourne Knights play host to Port Melbourne on Sunday.

Round 4 Fixtures
Pascoe Vale vs Green Gully Cavaliers, 8:30pm 26 April, Hosken Reserve
Oakleigh Cannons vs Southern Stars, 8:30pm 26 April, Jack Edwards Reserve
Richmond FC vs Northcote City, 8:30pm 26 April, Kevin Bartlett Reserve
Dandenong Thunder vs South Melbourne, 3pm 27 April, George Andrews Reserve
Hume City vs Bentleigh Greens, 3pm 28 April, Broadmeadows Valley Park
Melbourne Knights vs Port Melbourne Sharks, 3pm 28 April, Knights Stadium

Brisbane Premier League: Round Six

2013-04-16T18:46:00.000+10:00

Rain was the order of the weekend in Round 6 of the BPL, which only saw one match played on Friday night. Power re-entered the top four with a routine victory over Capalaba at AJ Kelly Park.

Peninsula Power 3:0 Capalaba

A dominating display by Peninsula Power saw them run out comfortable winners at home to a disappointing Capalaba side.

Everyone will be talking about…

Power’s lethal strike-force. On a night of numerous chances for the hosts, goals looked likely from several players. So it turned out – with top scorer Michael Baird’s deft finishing not required.

Yeah, but what happened?

Power took the lead early on when Michael Butters met a pin point cross from Richie Hurlin and headed in off the post. Capalaba had their fair share of attacks but did not emulate Power’s killer instinct – again on display towards the closing stages of the half. The home crowd was on their feet as Hurlin stepped up to expertly curl a free kick in the top corner from the edge of the box. The result was all but sealed early in the second period, as Lewis Bonar followed in on a Baird shot that cannoned off the post.

The numbers:

Power – Butters ’11; Hurlin ’38; Bonar ‘54

Looking ahead...

Power will look to maintain their impressive goal scoring form when they travel to Easts next week, while Capalaba will be desperate to improve at home to North Star.

VPL Wrap: Return of the glory days

2013-04-15T16:36:00.001+10:00

Round Two is done and dusted and the Victorian Premier League has an old school look on top of the table with former super clubs South Melbourne and Melbourne Knights filling first and second. At the other end of the ladder it's not looking good for the two sides The Football Sack picked to make the Grand final as Dandenong (having started on negative three points) have only managed a draw and Oakleigh haven't registered a point. All making for an intriguing VPL season to come.

Pascoe Vale 0
Northcote City 1 (Lujic 56')
Hosken Reserve

Northcote are yet to drop any points as they accounted for newly promoted Pascoe Vale. Pacco are still looking for their first VPL points and for the second time in two games was unable to get a point against a side that was down a man for a half of football. Northcote 'keeper Siddall was sent off on the half time whistle and that should have been the catalyst for a Pascoe Vale win.

Northcote, who were able to find the back of the net, have set up a mouth-watering clash against Melbourne Knights this week and Pascoe Vale travel to Port Melbourne to play their fellow promoted side.

Oakleigh Cannons 1 (Vittiglia 54')
Port Melbourne Sharks 3 (Sarkies 2' Ibrahim 30' Hockless (pen) 94')
Jack Edwards Reserve

Port Melbourne showed us why many are predicting the Sharks to thrive in the league with a good win over title favourites Oakleigh; their first win in the Victorian top flight since 2002. Goals to established VPL players Kristian Sarkies, Kamal Ibrahim and Graeme Hockless were exactly what Port needed to keep the Cannons winless and rooted to the bottom of the table.

The Sharks take on the fellow promoted side Pascoe Vale next week. Oakleigh have a huge task finding their first points when the travel to Green Gully.

Richmond 1 (Kweifio-Okai 62')
Melbourne Knights 4 (Colosimo 2' Cvitkovic 28' 77' Alinejad 75')
Kevin Bartlett Reserve

Melbourne Knights sit comfortably equal top of the ladder after their second win of the season; this time a comfortable 4-1 win over Richmond. Andrew Marth continues to work magic on the Knights who have slipped to low table obscurity over the past few seasons.

A genuine early six pointed awaits the Knights this week when they face the unbeaten Northcote away. The task is no easier for Richmond when they visit a Dandenong Thunder side hungry for their first win of the season.

Hume City 1 (Canham 83’)
Green Gully 4 (Cahill 19' 82' Fleming 49' Harding 90+3')
Broadmeadows Valley Park

Green Gully sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition with a big victory at Broadmeadows Valley Park. It was Gully's first win of the season and they were in control well before Atilla Ofli’s red card put Hume further on the back foot.

The match highlighted the impact Tom Cahill could potentially have on the VPL having been pried from Richmond where we finished fourth in the golden boot despite only arriving in the mid-season transfer window.

Next week Gully will look to capitalise on Oakleigh’s poor form while Hume could bounce back against the winless Southern Stars.

Dandenong Thunder 0
Bentleigh Greens 3 (Stirton 13’ 20’ Sherbon 86’)
George Andrews Reserve

Dandenong remain at the bottom of the table with -2 points after running into VPL title favourites Bentleigh Greens in hot form. The Greens’ big recruits David Stirton and Luke Sherbon scored all the goals between them, the latter against his former club.

With the risk of Bentleigh’s dominance disappearing as young Victory star Luke O’Dea limped off the field with a knee injury, a red card to Thunder’s Liam Kearney swung the match back in their favour.

Dandenong will complete their second of five closed door matches on Saturday as they host Richmond. Bentleigh will face South Melbourne in the match of the round.

Southern Stars 0
South Melbourne 3 (Gasparis 31' 47' Kelly 84')
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

The giants of Australian football are back on top of the VPL ladder after brushing aside southern stars 3-0 to claim back-to-back away wins. The match was a complete domination with Stars never looking in the contest.

This leaves South with six goals for and no goals against in their opening two matches, leaving next week’s top of the table clash against Bentleigh Greens nothing short of mouth watering.

Southern Stars will play Hume City.

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	South Melbourne FC	2	2	0	0	6	0	6	6
2	Melbourne Knights FC	2	2	0	0	5	1	4	6
3	Bentleigh Greens SC	2	2	0	0	4	0	4	6
4	Northcote City SC	2	2	0	0	4	0	4	6
5	Port Melbourne Sharks SC	2	1	0	1	3	2	1	3
6	Green Gully Cavaliers SC	2	1	0	1	4	4	0	3
7	Hume City FC	2	1	0	1	2	4	-2	3
8	Southern Stars FC	2	0	1	1	0	3	-3	1
9	Pascoe Vale SC	2	0	0	2	0	2	-2	0
10	Richmond FC	2	0	0	2	1	5	-4	0
11	Oakleigh Cannons FC	2	0	0	2	1	6	-5	0
12	Dandenong Thunder SC	2	0	1	1	0	3	-3	-2

Round Three Fixtures
Bentleigh Greens v South Melbourne, 8:15pm Friday 19 April, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Port Melbourne Sharks v Pascoe Vale, 8:30pm Friday 19 April, JL Murphy Reserve
Dandenong Thunder v Richmond, 3pm Saturday 20 April, George Andrews Reserve
Green Gully Cavaliers v Oakleigh Cannons, 3pm Saturday 20 April, Green Gully Reserve
Southern Stars v Hume City, 6pm Saturday 20 April, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex
Northcote City v Melbourne Knights, 3pm Sunday 21 April, John Cain Memorial Park

Olympic hold on for heritage draw with Marconi

2013-04-15T08:45:00.001+10:00

This week was Heritage Round at Belmore Sports Ground as two old clubs locked heads in front of a large crowd. Sydney Olympic drew 1 with Marconi Stallions 1 in what was an entertaining contest on a sunny Sunday afternoon.

Credit: Football NSW

Probably the most historic tale between the two sides is their appearances against one another in consecutive Grand Finals in 88/89 /89/90, Marconi winning the first and Olympic the second. Both matches were held at Parramatta Stadium attracking record crowds for football matches.

Olympic club officials worked hard to attract a decent attendance for their showpiece match and were rewarded with a healthy crowd of around 1300. A big congratulations to the club for their newly renovated, beautiful corporate facilities that played host to Sydney FC's Steve Corica and Brian Dene, as well as Olympic VIPs, former players and media.

The first shot of the match came early on from Shane Webb who bent the ball in from a cross which 'keeper Henderson cleanly punched away. Webb would continue to hassle Olympic all afternoon with his looping corners and crosses on the right flank.

But it would be Marconi that broke the deadlock. Simonovic slammed the ball into the net in the 14^th minute after a attacking play from the Stallions directly through the middle of the park.

In the 41^st minute Barkhousir hit the crossbar after a longball up the park found his feet. Rounding the 'keeper Barkhousir then fired a looping shot that rebounded off the crossbar and away.

Before halftime Anthony Prioa could have made it two-nil for Marconi but was called offside after putting the ball in the net.

Moments repeated themselves as Simonovic' chance to extend Marconi's lead went begging – the striker hit over – and then Barkhousir did the same but again hit the crossbar. One nil the scoreline at the break however Stallions were not the dominant team.

On 55 minutes Olympic fired back to equalise. After coming close all afternoon Barkhousir finally got his name on the scoresheet, slotting home from inside the box after a goalmouth scramble.

A late challenge, or foul language - or something - meant a straight red for Manni Giannaros and Olympic down to ten men for the final quarter of the match.

Despite the disadvantage Sydney Olympic continued to have chances to take the lead. Barkhousir continued to look dangerous and a one-on-one with the 'keeper had the Stallions on the back foot, the 'keeper forced to smother the ball.

Olympic's Paul Henderson kept his side in the game with a decent diving save late on, parrying the ball and taking it on the second attempt.

One all the final result, leaving both sides to remain mid-table in the IGA NPL NSW Mens 1 competition.

NSW Wrap: Red card galore in fiery week

2013-04-10T00:29:00.003+10:00

A weekend which saw five red cards and sixteen goals ended with Bonnyrigg and Sydney United still flying high atop the NPL New South Wales.

Robbie Younis and Luka Glavas both continued their hot goal-scoring runs for their clubs as United won an important game in the 50th year of their derby against Sydney Olympic, while the White Eagles edged out Manly despite going down to ten men.

APIA Leichhardt 3-3 Blacktown City
(Taneski 34’ (pen), 60’, Ouffoue 88’), (Lewis 24’, Gaitatzis 32’, Rooney 34’)

Four goals in the space of ten minutes set the frantic pace at Lambert Park as a nine man Blacktown couldn’t hold onto their two goal lead they earned in the first half.

Blacktown saw their first player receiving his marching orders seconds before the break with Del Brocco making a nasty challenge. APIA pulled one back with the extra man advantage before goal-scorer Sean Rooney was also sent from the pitch for two yellows. With the two man advantage the Tigers managed to find an equaliser.

Under 20’s: APIA Leichhardt 1-1 Blacktown City

Next week: APIA Leichhardt v Sydney United
Central Coast Academy v Blacktown City

Manly United 0-1 Bonnyrigg White Eagles

(Younis 14’)

Bonnyrigg win again, Robbie Younis scores again.

It’s a familiar tale as the White Eagles continue to fly high with four straight wins. Younis is continuing his form of last season and has shown himself to be one of the most lethal players in the Premier League.

This time the front man scored with a well placed header from a free kick. It was all that was required for Bonnyrigg despite having Spruce sent off on the hour mark. Manly almost snatched a draw just on full time but saw a header go across the face of goal.

Under 20’s: Manly United 1-4 Bonnyrigg White Eagles
Next week: Rockdale City Suns v Manly United
Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Sutherland Sharks

Sutherland Sharks 1-0 Central Coast Mariners Academy
(Nikas 76’)

The Mariners Academy travelled to Seymour Shaw in search of their first win of the season. They almost got off to a good start with Chris Payne shooting over, almost adding to his tally.

But the longer the match drew on, the most aggressive the home side was. The winner was eventually found by, a little unsurprisingly, Panni Nikas as he kept his composure to finish well just fourteen minutes from time.

Under 20’s: Sutherland Sharks 0-1 Central Coast Academy
Next week: Bonnyrigg White Eagles v Sutherland Sharks
Central Coast Academy v Blacktown City

Blacktown Spartans 1-2 Rockdale City Suns
(Hijazi 44’) (Cardozo 60’, 79 )

Rockdale secured their first win of the season with a spirited second half performance that saw them overturn the Spartans 1-0 lead at the break.

The Suns were persistent in the second half and the bombardment eventually paid off when Cardozo found his second goal with a strong, driving shot into the bottom corner of the near post.

The Spartans opened the scoring and went into the sheds with a lead thanks to a neat lobbed header from Hijazi, which was the NPL New South Wales goal of the week:

Under 20’s: Blacktown Spartans 1-3 Rockdale
Next week: South Coast v Blacktown Spartans
Rockdale City Suns v Manly United

Sydney United 1-0 Sydney Olympic

(Glavas 18’ (pen))

In the 50^th year of this iconic derby, Luka Glavas scored yet again to deliver the three points to an undefeated Sydney United as they continue to match Bonnyrigg step for step in the opening rounds.

A poor ball across the box from Olympic defender Haydar allowed Glavas to steal it off the toes of Studman, who clipped the heels of Glavas in an attempt to recover the football, resulting in the referee pointing to the spot.

Salameh forced a good save from United keeper Jennings not long after the goal, as his outstretched hand denied Salamehs near-post sighter. It was followed by Yamauchi’s attempt at the spectacular as his scissor kick went not far over from the far top corner.

Olympic's job was made harder when Studman saw yellow for the second time in the 53^rd minute to receive his marching orders following a crunching tackle.

United had numerous chances to extend their lead, including Barac receiving a great low cross just yards out, but the substitute was unable to make any decent contact and Henderson dived on the ball just before it trickled over.

Under 20’s: Sydney United 1-0 Sydney Olympic
Next week: APIA Leichhardt v Sydney United
Sydney Olympic v Marconi Stallions

Marconi Stallions 3-1 South Coast Wolves
(Purcell 30’ (pen), Proia 32’, 64’), (Del Turco 90’)

South Coast went down to ten men early in this fixture when Timpano used his hands to clear a shot off the line in the 28^thminute. Purcell scored from the penalty, giving the Stallions a deserved lead after Simonovic had hit the underside of the crossbar with a thunderous shot just eleven minutes into the match.

Proia doubled the lead with a header from a corner just moments later before making sure of the result not long after the hour mark when he broke through the defence and finished into the bottom corner.

Del Turco scored an impressive consolation goal in the 90^thwhen Chronopoulos' poor clearance saw him stranded at the edge of the penalty box, and Del Turco took one touch before lobbing it over the defence with perfect precision.

Under 20’s: Marconi Stallions 5-1 South Coast Wolves
Next week: Sydney Olympic v Marconi Stallions
South Coast Wolves v Blacktown Spartans

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Bonnyrigg White Eagles	4	4	0	0	12	2	10	12
2	Sydney United 58 FC	4	4	0	0	7	3	4	12
3	Sutherland Sharks	4	3	1	0	8	2	6	10
4	Manly United FC	4	2	0	2	4	2	2	6
5	Sydney Olympic FC	4	2	0	2	5	5	0	6
6	Blacktown City FC	4	1	2	1	8	7	1	5
7	Rockdale City Suns	4	1	1	2	4	6	-2	4
8	Marconi Stallions FC	4	1	1	2	4	6	-2	4
9	APIA Leichhardt Tigers	4	0	3	1	6	8	-2	3
10	Blacktown Spartans FC	4	1	0	3	3	7	-4	3
11	Central Coast Mariners Academy	4	0	1	3	3	9	-6	1
12	South Coast Wolves	4	0	1	3	4	11	-7	1

Brisbane Premier League: Round Five

2013-04-10T00:19:00.000+10:00

The return of the Brisbane Premier League after the Easter break saw a flurry of goals with a total of 31 strikes over six games providing spectators plenty of mouth-watering action around the grounds.

Wolves FC kicked it all off with a thumping win on Friday night while Rochedale and Lions also enjoyed comfortable victories. The other three matches went down to the wire; Capalaba, Albany Creek and Logan snatching vital victories.

Wolves FC 8-0 University of Queensland
Wolves FC humiliated UQ 8-0 at Carmichael Park with Kado Aoci bagging four goals against a hapless students backline.

Everyone will be talking about…

The margin of victory. Four goals down at half-time, UQ failed to learn from their mistakes and were caught out time and time again by a relentless Wolves.

Yeah, but what happened?

Nathan Reardon got the scoring under way with a powerful drive that was soon followed by a precision finish from Alex Janovsky. UQ’s defensive line crumbled under pressure and an own goal coupled with Aoci’s first marked the end of the half. The domination continued in the second period as Aoci slotted a penalty and theen his third and fourth either side of James Richards’ first BPL goal.

The numbers:

Wolves: Reardon ’12, Janovsky ’18, Own Goal ’28, Aoci ’35, ‘57 (p), ’64, ’73, Richards ‘66

Looking ahead...

Wolves are on a run of three straight wins and in hot scoring form ahead of their trip to Logan next week. With two goals scored and seventeen conceded, UQ find themselves in deep trouble and already look out of depth. A result at home to Ipswich will be crucial for morale.

Capalaba 3-2 Brisbane Force
Capalaba held off a resurgent second half comeback from Brisbane Force to record their second win of the season and climb within two points off the top four.

Everyone will be talking about…

Force’s late run for an equaliser. Seemingly down and out at 0-3 after 50 minutes, the visitors almost completed a remarkable comeback after two quick goals either side of the hour mark.

Yeah, but what happened?

Capalaba were gifted the perfect start when a defensive lapse led to a Force own goal in the fifth minute. Xavier Lopez doubled the hosts’ lead on the stroke of halftime – a fair indication of Capalaba’s first half dominance. The contest looked over when Antony Schiavo struck a third shortly after the restart but Force were soon back in it with goals from Travis Jackson and Lachlan Munn. Ultimately, the visitors failed to break through for an equaliser in the final 25 minutes but they’ll take a lot of positives from a fighting performance.

The numbers:

Capalaba: Own Goal ‘5, Lopez ’45, Schiavo ‘51
Force: Jackson ’59, Munn ‘64

Looking ahead...

Capalaba can break into the top four with a victory at Peninsula Power next week while Force continue their quest for a first BPL point when they host Easts.

Rochedale Rovers 4-2 Peninsula Power
A first half onslaught on Power’s goal paved the way for Rochedale to enter familiar territory and slot into the top four for the first time this season.

Everyone will be talking about…

Rovers’ dynamic start to the game. What many predicted would be a game of small margins was blown out early on as Rochedale stormed to a 3-0 lead within twenty minutes.

Yeah, but what happened?

Rochedale were simply a class above their opponents in the opening stanza. Goals by Chris Maher and Cody Lovell inside ten minutes shell-shocked the visitors and Rhys Hastings soon increased the margin. Power settled the game’s tempo but could not prevent Terry Hughes adding salt to their wounds with a fourth before the hour mark. Consolation goals from Jordon Lowdon and Michael Butters made the score more respectable, but not the overall performance.

The numbers:

Rochedale: Maher ‘7, Lovell ’10, Hastings ’19, Hughes ‘58
Power: Lowdon ’65, Butters ‘90

Looking ahead...

Rochedale face an easy game on paper when they travel to a winless North Star while Power should face a stern test at home to Capalaba.

Ipswich Knights 1-2 Albany Creek
A frantic late flurry of goals saw Albany Creek take all three points from Ipswich in front of a packed Eric Evans Oval.

Everyone will be talking about…

Albany Creek’s smash-and-grab in the dying moments. Excelsior first took the lead with ten minutes to go and then compounded the hosts’ misery with the winner soon after.

Yeah, but what happened?

A fruitless contest came to life in the 79th minute when Mitchell Bevan opened the scoring for Albany Creek from the edge of the box. Solid defending from both sides up to that moment meant a lone goal would probably be enough to seal it but Excelsior added a second through a quality Matt Needham finish. Ipswich through bodies forward in desperation but Tambwe Sadick’s stoppage time goal came too late.

The numbers:

Ispwich: Sadick ‘90
Albany Creek: Bevan ’79, Needham ‘88

Looking ahead...

Ipswich will be livid with this result and hungry to compensate when they travel to an out-of-sorts UQ side. Albany Creek maintain their perfect start in the top flight and will host fellow table toppers Lions FC in the round’s blockbuster.

Eastern Suburbs 1-2 Logan Lightning
A Phillip Randall brace gave Logan their first win of the season and denied Easts a place in the top four.

Everyone will be talking about…

Logan’s gradual improvement. After two losses in the opening two rounds of the season and conceding a heart-breaking equaliser to Capalaba in Round Four, this time Logan held on for their first three points in 2013.

Yeah, but what happened?

A quiet tempo to the first half was overturned in the dying stages with Logan threatening with a string of chances. After coming close from a corner moments before, Phil Randall rose to head the visitors in front on the stroke of half time. Easts hit back immediately after the restart; Carter Glockner weaving past the Logan defence and squaring for Jordan Farina to smash in the equaliser at the far post. Both sides enjoyed chances after that but it was Randall’s aerial dominance that proved the difference, his second header proving the winner.

The numbers:

Easts: Farina ‘47
Logan: Randal ’45, ‘70

Looking ahead...

Easts will be favourites when they travel to a pointless Brisbane force next week while Logan will try and keep momentum going in a tough encounter at home to Wolves

Lions FC 4-2 North Star
Lions maintained their flawless start to the season and top spot on the ladder with a convincing display at home to North Star.

Everyone will be talking about…

North Star’s resurgence with ten men. In the typical manner of football unpredictability, North Star struck twice after going down to ten men and already trailing 4-0.

Yeah, but what happened?

Lions dominated the middle of the park and their defence was rarely tested in a one-sided first half. Steven Chester and Andrew Butler made their possession count on the scoreboard with the game’s two opening goals. Pablo Aviles struck a third soon after the restart and when Dylan Milne was sent off on the hour, it looked like the score might get out of hand for Star. The early signs confirmed this as Greg Thomas notched his side’s fourth soon after. But against all odds North Star rose to the challenge and had themselves a penalty in the 68th minute. Robert Buhmann converted and barely two minutes later the home side was stunned as Matthew Zappone scored to bring the margin back to two goals. To their credit, Lions killed off Star’s momentum and made sure that was the last time the scoreboard changed.

The numbers:

Lions: Chester ’15, Butler ‘39, Aviles ’56, Thomas ‘64
North Star: Buhmann ‘68 (p), Zappone ‘70

Looking ahead...

First meets second when Lions travel to Albany Creek for a Saturday afternoon blockbuster, while it doesn’t get easier for North Star, who host an in-form Rochedale.

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Lions FC	4	4	0	0	14	5	9	12
2	Albany Creek	4	4	0	0	14	10	4	12
3	Wolves FC	4	3	0	1	17	4	13	9
4	Rochedale Rovers	4	3	0	1	8	9	-1	9
5	Capalaba	4	2	1	1	12	10	2	7
6	Eastern Suburbs	4	2	0	2	8	5	3	6
7	Peninsula Power	4	2	0	2	12	10	2	6
8	Ipswich Knights	4	2	0	2	6	7	-1	6
9	Logan Lightning	4	1	1	2	6	7	-1	4
10	Brisbane Force	4	0	0	4	8	15	-7	0
11	North Star	4	0	0	4	7	15	-8	0
12	UQ FC	4	0	0	4	2	17	-15	0

Round Six Fixture
Peninsula Power v Capalaba, 7:45pm Friday 12 April, AJ Kelly Park
UQ FC v Ipswich Knights, 3:15pm Saturday 13 April, University of QLD
Albany Creek v Lions FC, 5pm Saturday 13 April, Wolter Park
Logan Lightning v Wolves FC, 6:45pm Saturday 13 April, Cornubia Park
Brisbane Force v Eatsern Suburbers, 7pm Saturday 13 April, CJ Greenfield Reserve
North Star v Rochedale Rovers, 4pm Sunday 14 April, O'Callaghan Park

VPL: We're back and loving it

2013-04-08T15:17:00.002+10:00

The Victorian Premier League kicked off in style over the weekend with some intriguing matches, quality matches and surprise results.

South Melbourne 3 (Norton 35', Gasparis 58', Van Eeken 81')
Green Gully 0
Green Gully Reserve

South Melbourne got their 2013 VPL season off to the perfect start easily accounting for finals contender Green Gully breaking a 27 YEAR HOODOO at Green Gully Reserve. South controlled the match and on this performance look to be the big improvers this season.

Green Gully will try to look past their disappointing start when they take on Hume City away next week while South Melbourne play Southern Stars.

Southern Stars 0
Dandenong Thunder 0
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

Reigning VPL champions Dandenong Thunder didn't get the start they were expecting when they drew with Southern Stars. The Stars tactics were clear from the outset and goals were not on the radar as the bus was parked early by the young side.

Dandenong controlled possession for the game but were unable to take their chances and will see this result as two points dropped; something they can't afford to do as they are already starting behind the 8-ball.

Stars will face another big test next week when they take on South Melbourne while Dandenong are expecting a more attacking match when they host Bentleigh Greens.

Hume City 1 (Sives72')
Port Melbourne 0
SS Anderson Reserve

Port Melbourne's long awaited return to the Victorian Premier League was soured somewhat with a 1-0 loss to Hume City at home. Craig Sives header was enough for the established City to knock over the new boys twenty minutes from time.

Port Melbourne have spent the summer stockpiling a list of big name recruits and will be disappointed with the first up loss while Hume will be ecstatic.

Hume City host Green Gully next Saturday whilst Port Melbourne travel to Oakleigh on Friday evening.

Bentleigh Greens 1 (De Abreu 69')
Richmond 0
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

Bentleigh Greens showed why many expect them to be there or there abouts come season’s end with a clinical 1-0 win over Richmond. Jamie De Abreu's deflected shot was the decider after the visitors had a penalty saved about ten minutes earlier.

The Greens who have recruited extremely well over the summer still look like they have a gear or two to click into which is a worrying sign for opposing teams, but they will need to be switched on next Saturday when they travel to reigning premiers Dandenong.

Richmond will host Melbourne Knights on Friday night.

Northcote City 3 (Lujic 52’, Kalifatidis 62’, 80’)
Oakleigh Cannons 0
John Cain Memorial Park

Northcote City have shocked all but themselves with a big 3-0 win over 2012 runners-up Oakleigh Cannons. Three second half goals from the home side were enough to see Northcote grab the upset of the round.

Both sides take on the promoted teams next week. The Cannons will need to step it up at home next week against Port Melbourne and Northcote are away to Pascoe Vale.

Melbourne Knights 1 (Fraser 87’)
Pascoe Vale 0
Knights Stadium

Melbourne Knights pulled off a last gasp win against promoted Pascoe Vale even though they were down to nine men when the ball hit the net (eventually finishing the match with eight)!

Craig Sweeney and Ben Surey were sent off within two minutes of each other just before the break meaning the hosts had to play the entire second-half with just nine players.

Englishmen Tommy Fraser was the hero during the Knights 60th year celebrations as he the winner from a free-kick three minutes from time.

Both sides play their next game on Friday night with Melbourne Knights travelling to Richmond whilst Pascoe Vale host Northcote City.

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Northcote City SC	1	1	0	0	3	0	3	3
2	South Melbourne FC	1	1	0	0	3	0	3	3
3	Melbourne Knights FC	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	3
4	Bentleigh Greens SC	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	3
5	Hume City FC	1	1	0	0	1	0	1	3
6	Southern Stars FC	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	1
7	Richmond FC	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0
8	Port Melbourne Sharks SC	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0
9	Pascoe Vale SC	1	0	0	1	0	1	-1	0
10	Oakleigh Cannons FC	1	0	0	1	0	3	-3	0
11	Green Gully Cavaliers SC	1	0	0	1	0	3	-3	0
12	Dandenong Thunder SC	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	-2

Round Two Fixtures
Pascoe Vale v Northcote City, 8:30pm Friday 12 April, Hosken Reserve
Oakleigh Cannons v Port Melbourne Sharks, 8:30pm Friday 12 April, Jack Edwards Reserve
Richmond v Melbourne Knights, 8:30pm Friday 12 April, Kevin Bartlett Reserve
Hume City v Green Gully Cavaliers, 3pm Saturday 13 April, Broadmeadows Valley Park
Dandenong Thunder v Bentleigh Greens, 3pm Saturday 13 April, George Andrews Reserve
Southern Stars v South Melbourne, 6pm Saturday 13 April, Kingston Heath Soccer Complex

Victorian Premier League 2013: Two minute preview

2013-04-04T23:32:00.001+11:00

The Victorian Premier League kicks off the 2013 season this weekend and as always The Football Sack will keep you right up to date with what's going down. Here is our quick guide to the season.

Bentleigh Greens

Last Season
4th

Coach
John Anastasiadis.

Ins
Luke Fitzpatrick (Southern Stars), Kyle Joryeff (Richmond SC), Liam McCormick (Southern Stars), Luke Sherbon (Dandenong Thunder), David Stirton (Southern Stars), Ross Thompson (Dandenong Thunder), Stuart Webster (Dandenong Thunder)

We say
Finished 4th last season and have added loads of quality players. On paper Bentleigh look as good as any side we've seen in recent times.

The Football Sack predicts
Champions

Dandenong Thunder

Last Season
Champions

Coach
Chris Taylor

Ins
Luke Hopper (Hungerford Town - England), Matthew Park (East Fife FC - Scotland), Steven Topalovic (Richmond), Zac Walker (Oakleigh Cannons)

We Say
The reigning champions were unstoppable last season and deserved their domestic treble. They will be the hunted this season and have lost some stars, but will still be a very decent side despite a home-game lock-out for the first half of the competition.

The Football Sack predicts
2nd

Oakleigh Cannons

Last Season
Runners-up

Coach
Bill Theodoropoulos

Ins
Griffin McMaster (Wellington Phoenix), Steven Gray (Melbourne Heart)

We Say
Two massive signings for the perennial there-abouters. Will again be there abouts this season.

The Football Sack predicts
3rd

Green Gully Cavaliers

Last Season
3rd

Coach
Dean Hennessey

Ins
Michael Anderson (North Geelong Warriors), Tom Cahill (Richmond SC), Sean Harding (Ballarat Red Devils), Scott Muirhead (Richmond SC)

We Say
Always a strong club and will be keen to get back to their double championship winning ways of two years ago. The loss of Hockless is somewhat offset by the arrival of Tom Cahill

The Football Sack predicts
4th

Port Melbourne Sharks

Last Season
2nd in State League One

Coach
Eric Vassiliadis

Ins
Kristian Sarkies (Heidelberg United), Kamal Ibrahim (Heidelberg United), Ros Honos (Oakleigh Canons), Graham Hockless (Green Gully), James Riccobene (Heidelberg United), Adam Nakic (Melbourne Knights)

We Say
Some huge signings for the newly promoted Sharks should see them push for finals in their return to the top division, but much like Moreland Zebras last season, will they gel? Massive wraps on Ros Honos from people in the know!

The Football Sack predicts
5th

Melbourne Knights

Last Season
8th

Coach
Andrew Marth

Ins
Chris May (Heidelberg United), Tommy Fraser (Whitehawk - England), Bobby Vidanovski (Hume City), Joseph Konyit (NK Vrapce - Croatia), Hassan Daramy (Bonnyrigg White Eagles - New South Wales)

We Say
Andrew Marth took the Knights from strugglers to finals contenders in a short period last season and now with a pre-season under his belt should have this team right up there fighting for a finals spot.

The Football Sack predicts
6th

South Melbourne

Last Season
6th

Coach
Peter Tsolakis

Ins
Tyson Holmes (Sunshine Coast Fire - Queensland), Alan Kearney (Southern Stars), Rhys Meredith (Redlands United - Queensland), Carl Recchia (Moreland Zebras), Renco van Eeken (Hardenberg - Netherlands)

We Say
The hype this season is nowhere near what it was this time a year ago. The squad is good and will give a good shake in claiming a finals spot.

The Football Sack predicts
7th

Northcote City

Last Season
5th

Coach
Goran Lozanovski

Ins
Michael Eager (Redlands United – Queensland), Evan Kounavellis (Adelaide Blue Eagles – South Australia), Frazer Siddall (Southern Stars)

We Say
Just slipping away from the big boys it seems. Finals a stretch.

The Football Sack predicts
8th

Richmond

Last Season
7th

Coach
Jean-Marc Imbert

Ins
Petar Franjic (Bangkok Glass - Thailand), Kliment Taseski (Moreland Zebras), Josh Groenewald (Melbourne Heart)

We Say
Have managed to keep their head above water the last few seasons and will do so again.

The Football Sack predicts
9th

Southern Stars

Last Season
10th

Coach
Zaya Younan

Ins
Andrew Viola (Richmond SC), Halil Gur (Dandenong City), Ramazan Tavsancioglu (Oakleigh Cannons)

We Say
The Stars have a young squad, have lost quality players as well as their coach and are in transition. Won't make finals.

The Football Sack predicts
10th

Hume City

Last Season
9th

Coach
Lou Acevski

Ins
Sean Canham (Hereford United - England), Deejay Firth (Sunshine Coast Fire - Queensland), Sait Guler (Southern Stars), Josh Knight (Port Talbot Town FC - Wales), Dakota Lucas (Sunshine Coast Fire - Queensland), Alan Mulcahy (Southern Stars), Craig Sives (Shamrock Rovers - Republic of Ireland)

We say
Hume need some stability. Finals seem a long way off at the moment.

The Football Sack predicts
11th

Pascoe Vale

Last Season
1st in State League One

Coach
Vitale Ferrante

Ins
Tom Milardovic (Richmond), Davey van 't Schip (Richmond), Hernan Espindola (Melbourne Victory),
Stefan Sardelic (Altona)

We Say
Will find the step up hard in their first ever season of VPL; haven't brought in enough quality to stay competitive but will trouble sides at their home ground.

The Football Sack predicts
12th

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NPL Queensland: Capital clubs sparkle

2013-03-27T17:58:00.000+11:00

Olympic FC moved into early NPLQ favouritism in Round Three, dispatching Brisbane Strikers 7-2.

It was a dominant weekend for Brisbane clubs with Moreton Bay, Brisbane City and Redlands also recording heavy wins.

QAS 0
Palm Beach Sharks 3 (Hilton 8' McKay 34' Dillon 56')

The opening match of the round proved to be Palm Beach's first NPLQ win, cruising to a comfortable 3-0 victory over the Queensland Academy of Sport.

The first-half dismissal of Abraham Yango punctuated an underwhelming afternoon at Perry Park for the QAS who, despite the presence of Brisbane Roar youngsters Jack Bladen, Cameron Crestani, Alex Schiavo and Sam Cronin, conceded three evenly spread goals to Mat Hilton's terrific acrobatic volley, Justin McKay's commanding header and Riley Dillon's finish of a neat one-two.

Palm Beach's first three points move them into mid-table ahead of the Easter break.

Moreton Bay Jets 3 (South 54' Joseph 63' McEvoy 82')
Northern Fury 0

A second-half blitz from Moreton Bay was the precursor to the round's forthcoming imbalances, notching three after the break to dispose of Northern Fury.

The Jets, playing out of Albany Creek's Wolter Park, shook off the visitors with two goals in nine second-half minutes from Jay South and Moses Joseph, before Michael McEvoy added a late third to seal the hosts' position in equal first.

The match ended a three-match run away from home to open the season for Fury as they meet Western Pride at the Townsville Sports Reserve on April 7th.

Brisbane Strikers 2 (Thurtell 10' Hews 87')
Olympic FC 7 (Robinson OG 3' Petrie 17' Smits 33', 40', 70' Byrne 76' Panic 89')

Olympic had already impressed in the NPLQ with two wins to open the season, but took their reputation to the next level on Saturday night with an incredible 7-2 away defeat of Brisbane Strikers.

The hosts recovered from an inexcusable own-goal error of captain Nick Robinson, without suspended central-defensive partner Corey Hooper, and a series of Olympic chances to level in the 10th minute through Matt Thurtell's poaching play. But after Thurtell and Ryan Cokell spurned a pair of opportunities for a second, Olympic took control, beginning with Jack Petrie's strike into the bottom corner which caught Brisbane 'keeper David Chambers static.

The two periods before and after the break belonged to the prolific Tim Smits, who a netted a trio of successive classy finishes for a hattrick in under 40 minutes - his fourth, fifth and sixth goals of the season.

Two more for Olympic sandwiched Chay Hews' 87th minute strike and tied up their heavy victory, condemning Strikers to their heaviest defeat since rejoining local and state football.

FNQ Heat 0
Brisbane City 7 (Biggins 18' Pase 20' Murray 28', 61' Blackadder 34' Dougall 43' Shannon 86')

A trip away from home was the occasion Brisbane City needed to set their season in motion on Saturday night, crushing Far North Queensland 7-0 for their first points of the campaign.

Two home losses were not the start City coach Glen Volker would have wanted from his side but they bounced back impressively at Cairns' Barlow Park, slamming five first-half goals past the opening-round victors.

Most notable was the brace of English striker Antonio Murray, formerly a member of the non-professional 'England C' squad, to go with his classy opener last weekend.

City will expect to make it two in two as they next host Central Queensland, while FNQ meet the Strikers at Redlands' Cleveland Showgrounds.

Redlands United 11 (Fyfe 19', 58' Saul 33' Way 39' 55' 56' 67' 75' Macauce 63' O'Brien 82' Snowdon 90')
CQ Energy 2 (Geddes 35', 45')

Redlands excelled at home on a warm Brisbane afternoon to destroy Central Queensland with eight goals after the break.

Incredibly, it appeared as though the match might have tipped in Energy's favour when Chris Geddes bagged his second and brought the scoreline back to 3-2 on half-time, but a show-stopping bag of five from former Gold Coast United youth player Reuben Way propelled the Devils to an unthinkable 11-2 victory.

Central Queensland sit last on the NPLQ ladder and must turn any slim positives they can into post-Easter competitiveness.

Western Pride 0
Sunshine Coast 4 (Frew 4', 12' Knight 55' Smith 59')

Despite play being suspended on 80 minutes because of heavy thunderstorms, Sunshine Coast's 4-0 lead over Western Pride stood as the final result on Sunday.

The North Ipswich Reserve copped a battering from the weather that might have extended further to the home side's defence with ten minutes remaining, having already conceded the two sealing goals Sunshine Coast needed to secure their second win of the season.

Earlier, home-grown attacker Kane Frew had given Fire a two-goal advantage inside 15 minutes.

Brisbane Premier League: Round Four

2013-03-26T23:41:00.000+11:00

A closely contested Round Four of the Brisbane Premier League saw four matches end in margins of one goal or less while there was a solitary draw played out by Logan and Capalaba on Friday night.

Albany Creek, Ipswich and Rochedale all picked up narrow away wins with Lions and Wolves looking most impressive with dominating displays.

Logan Lightning 1-1 Capalaba
A last-gasp Antony Schiavo strike snatched a point for Capalaba to deny hosts Logan their first win of the season.

Everyone will be talking about…
Capalaba’s equaliser moments before full-time. With Logan seemingly doing enough to hold on to their slender lead, the Bulldogs’ final surge forward finally cracked the hosts’ dogged defence.

Yeah, but what happened?
An end-to-end opening stanza was highlighted by Phillip Randal’s 14th minute strike. The Logan frontman was beautifully put through on goal by Trent Vohland, who capitalised on Jake Sherwood’s miscontrol in midfield and watched his teammate confidently slot a low drive past Dogs ‘keeper Nick Andrews. Capalaba looked rejuvenated in the second period and came close to the equaliser on a number of occasions, although a late mishit from Randal in a one-on-one situation with Andrews could have ended the contest. The next play resulted in the equaliser, as Schiavo thumped home a clever cut-back from Ashley Denniss.

The numbers:
Logan: Randal ‘14
Capalaba: Schiavo ‘90+3

Looking ahead...
Capalaba will take the positives out of this match into next week’s home game against pointless Brisbane Force while Logan are still in search of their first win of the season when they travel to Easts.

University of Queensland 1-2 Albany Creek

Albany Creek maintained their perfect start in the BPL, collecting their third consecutive win with a comfortable victory at UQ.

Everyone will be talking about…
Albany Creek’s form and standing on the table. The BPL debutants occupy second spot, only behind to Lions FC on goal difference.

Yeah, but what happened?
A solid start by UQ was undone by a lapse in concentration by shot-stopper Sam Cook, who misjudged a loose ball and allowed Matt Hornby to lob the ball into an empty net. Uni continued to dominate possession but the visitors had the cutting edge; this time Matt Needham firing past Cook in a one-on-one situation right before the interval. Albany Creek had numerous fruitless opportunities in the second period, several falling to striker Loic David. Albany Creek looked dangerous on the counter with Uni pushing men forward but Needham was unable to end the contest with a clear chance late on. David was eventually able to snatch what proved a mere consolation for an ineffective UQ side.

The numbers:
UQ: David ‘86
Creek: Hornby ’14, Needham ‘43

Looking ahead...
Uni remain winless at the foot of the table and it’s not about to get easier as a daunting trip to Wolves awaits next Friday night. Albany Creek are also on the road again, taking on fellow BPL newcomers Ipswich on Saturday night.

Peninsula Power 3-5 Lions FC

Lions turned on the style to seal their third straight win and snatch top spot from opponents Peninsula Power in an eight-goal Saturday night thriller.

Everyone will be talking about…
Lions’ free-scoring form. Up against arguably the in-form team from the opening two rounds, Lions bagged five away goals and resisted a comeback charge from the hosts.

Yeah, but what happened?
The visitors shell-shocked the AJ Kelly Park faithful with two goals in the opening twenty minutes. Their blistering start was overshadowed by a quick-fire Power double from Michael Baird and Michael Butters late in the first half. Brodie Kenyon struck within fifteen minutes of the restart for Lions but Baird was quick to restore parity with his second. It was anyone’s game at this stage and Lions proved the hungrier as Kentaro Ishikawa netted their fourth with twenty minutes to go. Power pressed for yet another equaliser but Shoheel Khan ended the contest in the 86th.

The numbers:
Power: Baird ’44 ’64, Butters ‘45+1
Lions: Butler ‘2 ’20; Kenyon ’58, Ishikawa ’68, Khan ‘86

Looking ahead...
Lions are one of the teams to watch at the moment and they’ll be confident of grabbing their fourth straight win when they host North Star next Sunday. Power travel to old foes Rochedale.

Wolves FC 2-0 Eastern Suburbs

Wolves powered past a ten-man Easts to pick up their second consecutive win and climb to third.

Everyone will be talking about…
Daniel Cunha’s red card right before the interval. Already a goal down, it was always going to be a tough task going down to ten men and Wolves capitalised soon after the restart.

Yeah, but what happened?
Kresimir Bek put last year’s Grand Final winners ahead with a confident headed finish on 24 minutes. The game was closely contested for the remainder of the half until Cunha was shown red shortly before the break. Easts were made to pay within a minute of the restart as Kado Aoci doubled the home side’s advantage with another prolific finish. Wolves saw out the game in a professional manner and could have extended their lead but for Trent Clulow striking the bar from a penalty.

The numbers:
Wolves: Bek ’24, Aoci ‘46

Looking ahead...
Wolves are finding form and will be strong favourites when they host UQ next Friday night. Easts will look to bounce back from their first defeat of the season when they welcome Logan.

North Star 1-2 Ipswich Knights

Two goals in three second half minutes saw Ipswich steal all three points from O’Callaghan Park to leave North Star pointless after three matches.

Everyone will be talking about…
Star’s inability to hold on to their lead. After narrowly going down to Albany Creek last week, Star once again failed to defend an advantage at home.

Yeah, but what happened?
The home side were rewarded for their bright start when Alexander Mann opened the scoring after twenty minutes. As the game wore on, Knights upped the tempo but Star looked confident in holding on to the win. That was until 15 minutes from time when Tambwe Sadick grabbed a desperate equaliser for Ipswich. Once the backline was broken, the shackles fell apart and Star soon conceded a second with Mitchell Davis notching home the winner.

The numbers:
Star: Mann ‘20
Knights: Sadick ’74, Davis ‘77

Looking ahead...
Star face the sternest of challenges when they travel to top of the table Lions next Sunday, while Ipswich entertain in-form Albany Creek.

Brisbane Force 1-2 Rochedale Rovers

Two second half goals from John Thompson and Greg Cheshire overturned a one-goal half-time deficit to leave Rochedale heading home with all three points from CJ Greenfield Reserve.

Everyone will be talking about…
Yet another unconvincing display from Rochedale. Rovers laboured to their second win of the year in unflattering fashion, having to come from behind to a far from exuberant Brisbane Force side.

Yeah, but what happened?
The hosts took a surprise lead in only the first minute when Alexander Mann broke through and converted to the delight of the home fans. It looked like it was all going horribly wrong for Rochedale again until a surprisingly reminiscent scenario to the North Star v Ipswich match occurred. Thompson grabbed an equaliser on the hour mark which was immediately followed by Rovers’ second from the boot of Cheshire – in the end proving the winner.

The numbers:
Force: Mann ‘20
Rochedale: Thompson ’59, Cheshire ‘61

Looking ahead...
Rochedale’s season outlook could be shaped based on their result and performance in next week’s crunch game at home to Power, while Force will travel to Capalaba in search of their first BPL win.

Like our coverage of Australian football? Help us out by voting for The Football Sack in the Australian Football Fan Awards. For details click here.

NPL Queensland: Strikers settle eight-goal squeaker

2013-03-20T08:09:00.000+11:00

The standout match of the round rained goals and new club Moreton Bay made it two from two in Round Two of the NPL Queensland.

A-League fans will be quick to note a triumphant first victory for the reformed Northern Fury amongst the weekend's results.

Redlands United 2 (Brattan 67' Fyfe 81')
FNQ Heat 0

Two second-half goals were enough for the much-fancied Redlands United to see of a determined Far North Queensland and record their first three points of the campaign.

A first-half in which chances fell both ways and Redlands reacted angrily to Jamie Carroll's late challenge on 'keeper Mitch O'Brien went goalless, and it wasn't until the 67th minute that Zak Brattan headed the Devils in front from a well-worked corner move.

Despite the heroics of their 'keeper Mike Breckenridge, keeping the BPL winners to a single goal could only last so long for the visitors as they eventually conceded a second in the final ten minutes from the individual class of goalscoring Redlands midfielder Graham Fyfe.

The result leaves both teams equal on three points, with FNQ ahead in seventh on goals scored.

Palm Beach Sharks 0
Western Pride 1 (Dragar 81')

One Peter Dragar goal was all it took for Western Pride to notch their first win as a club, downing Palm Beach at the Mallawa Complex on Sunday.

Former Ipswich Knights striker Dragar, back-to-back golden boot winner of the Capital League 1, hit the winner in the 81st minute for his second of the season and the club's third.

The loss means the Sharks are one of two teams to go pointless from the opening two rounds, placing significance on next weekend's match against the QAS in Brisbane.

CQ Energy 1
Northern Fury 6 (Kelly 10', 53' Navarro 16' Isman 66' Richards 75' Edds 80')

Central Queensland are well within danger of becoming the easybeats of the NPL Queensland after shipping six goals at home to Northern Fury on Saturday night.

When Gareth Edds completed Fury's half dozen, it was the thirteenth away goal the home support of Jardine Park had suffered through - following last weekend's 7-0 battering from Sunshine Coast. The visitors led by only two at the break but, despite going down to ten with Corey Waples' sending off midway through the first half, they added four more after the restart to consign Energy's lone goal to being the slightest of consolations. Steamrolling their opposition to a comprehensive victory should banish Fury's demons of last week, when another dismissal cost them a shot at their first points.

Player-coach Edds will next lead his team south to meet Moreton Bay, while Central Queensland travel for the first time to Redlands.

Brisbane City 3 (Murray 8' Riggs 10' Frazier pen 75')
Brisbane Strikers 5 (King 20' Cokell 46' Robinson 57' Hews 79' Thurtell 90+2')

Saturday night's focus on Spencer Park was wholly justified with an eight-goal corker between two former NSL clubs.

City striker Antonio Murray's genius lob from inside the penalty handed the hosts the lead before before a shock second was added in the tenth minute as Ken Dougall's precise cross was headed home superbly by Matthew Riggs.

Strikers pulled one back in the 20th minute through Greg King's long-range, top-corner special and it proved to be their tonic with two goals coming in quick succession after the break, first from Ryan Cokell and then captain Nick Robinson.

If five goals hadn't already confirmed the match's rollercoaster status, the final fifteen minutes certainly did. Eric Frazier won and converted a penalty for City which also resulted in the straight dismissal of Strikers defender Corey Hooper. At 3-3 and a man down, David Large's side might have decided it was time to preserve a point; instead, 36-year-old club legend Chay Hews unleashed a thunderbolt into the top corner to regain the lead just four minutes after the equaliser.

Sloppy defending in stoppage time then allowed Matt Thurtell to steal in for his first of the season and ensure a memorable second win of the season for Brisbane Strikers, who will be greatly buoyed by their resilience in a derby win.

Sunshine Coast 1 (Dwyer 14')
Moreton Bay United 2 (Dodd 48' Capello 79')

Moreton Bay pulled off the upset of the round on Sunday by coming from a goal down to beat the QSL champions at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Former A-League defender Karl Dodd equalised from close-range for the Jets early in the second period before Matthew Capello sealed an historic result for Moreton Bay as the game ticked towards its conclusion.

Leon Dwyer had earlier given Fire a 14th minute lead, though that was all the dominant force of the QSL could muster from a match which leaves them three points off the pace.

Newcomers Moreton Bay, based at Albany Creek's Wolter Park, are now flying in equal first and will be eyeing off a third straight victory at home to Fury next weekend.

Olympic FC 5 (Smits 27' 37' Fisk 43' MacLean 68' Ingham 78')
QAS 0

Tim Smits' second and third goals of the season helped Olympic to another heavy victory in the round's final fixture at Goodwin Park.

Smits has long been prolific in Brisbane's local and state leagues and a double inside thirty-seven minutes put his side on the path to a regulation win over the Queensland Academy of Sport. Further goals from Mark Fisk, former Roar youth Jake MacLean and Jai Ignham sealed the 5-0 result. With the likes of Matt Mundy, Ross Archibald, Daniel Byrne and Alex Panic to call on, Olympic have begun the season in a manner befitting their talent.

The QAS, meanwhile, will be hopeful of finding some rhythm amongst their new crop of youngsters as weekly fixtures instil more experience.

Brisbane Premier League: Round Two

2013-03-12T09:40:00.000+11:00

After gaining an extra week’s rest due to Brisbane’s relentless rain, all BPL teams were in action as the season kicked off, albeit in Round 2.

There were important home wins for Peninsula Power and Lions FC, while Saturday afternoon saw Easts and Capalaba turn in dominating displays on the road. The two matches containing four BPL newcomers resulted in Ipswich Knights and Albany Creek collect dramatic, marginal victories.

Peninsula Power 5:1 North Star

Michael Baird stole the show in this year’s BPL opener, bagging a hat-trick in Power’s dominating win at home to North Star.

Everyone will be talking about…

The former Roar, Glory and Central Coast striker’s performance in the final third. Marking his BPL comeback with a hat-trick, Baird looks set to be a prolific addition to Power’s frontline.

Yeah, but what happened?

Peninsula opened their account early on when Warren Moon headed in from a corner. Richie Hurlin joined him on the scoresheet not long after with a sumptuous strike from the edge of the box. The Baird-show began soon after, the striker picking up two goals before the interval and rounding off his hat-trick with a well taken penalty at the start of the second half. Sam Basnett grabbed a consolation goal for Star, who displayed a much improved second half performance.

The numbers:

Power – Moon ‘7; Hurlin ’26; Baird ’40, ’44, ‘50(p)

Star – Basnett ‘80

Looking ahead...

Power will expect a bigger test when they travel to Ipswich Knights next week, while North Star will look to regroup in their first home match against Albany Creek – who enjoyed a thrilling first game win.

Logan Lightning 2:3 Ipswich Knights

Ipswich fought off a spirited performance by hosts Logan, who came back twice but could not stop the Knights leaving Cornubia Park with all three points.

Everyone will be talking about…

The debutants’ ability to adapt to the BPL. In what was a scrappy match often fought in the middle of the park, fans of both sides – new to the BPL this season – will be eagerly awaiting their respective teams’ debuts against some of the league’s benchmark opposition in the coming weeks.

Yeah, but what happened?

The home side showed resilience to come back twice in the first half, first Blake Cearns cancelling out Igor Sao Jose’s early strike, then Daniel Clark responding to Mitchell Davis’ goal for Ipswich. In the end, poor defending from the hosts led to Davis grabbing his brace and the match winner, after finding himself unmarked in the box and coolly dispatching past Brendan White.

The numbers:

Logan – Cearns ’17; Clark ‘41

Ipswich – Sao Jose ’13; Davis ’31, ‘56

Looking ahead...

Ipswich will look to maintain a positive start when they host Peninsula next week, while Logan need to shore up at the back if they are to prove competitive on the road at Rochedale.

Rochedale Rovers 0:5 Eastern Suburbs

A late three-goal blitz by Easts turned Rochedale’s Saturday afternoon from disappointing to miserable as they suffered one of their heaviest home defeats in the BPL.

Everyone will be talking about…

What’s wrong at Rochedale? Last year’s losing Grand Finalists, the ever-consistent Rovers looked out of sorts in their opening game and were outplayed all over the park.

Yeah, but what happened?

Easts dominated throughout the match and took their chances expertly. Goals either side of the interval from Thomas Johnstone and Cody Shorter looked to have sealed the win, but a late flurry saw Michael Andrews, Jordan Farina and Carter Glockner all pile further misery on the hosts.

The numbers:

Easts – Johnstone ’35; Shorter ’63; Andrews ’80; Farina 90+2; Glockner ‘90+4

Looking ahead...

Rochedale’s supporters will be anticipating a strong bounce-back when Rovers entertain league newcomers Logan next week, while Easts will be full of confidence at home to UQ.

University of Queensland FC 0:5 Capalaba

Capalaba enjoyed a comfortable afternoon at UQ, running away with the win with four unanswered goals in the first half.

Everyone will be talking about…

Capalaba’s firepower up front. The Bulldogs’ forwards looked in devastating form and with Anthony Schiavo and Xavier Lopez grabbing a brace each, they are in top form heading into next week’s derby with Wolves.

Yeah, but what happened?

It was all over by the interval as first Lopez, then Schiavo netted a brace each past a disjointed University defence. Versatile midfielder Scott Sargent completed the drubbing with a strike midway through the second half.

The numbers:

Capalaba – Lopez ’20, ’23; Schiavo ’33, ‘45+1; Sargent ‘64

Looking ahead...

Capalaba lock horns with Brisbane Wolves at Carmichael Park in next round’s blockbuster match, while UQ may face more defensive headaches when they travel to free-scoring Easts.

Albany Creek 6:5 Brisbane Force

Albany Creek prevailed in a 11-goal feast for the eyes as the BPL welcomed two sides promising bounds of entertainment if this match is anything to go by.

Everyone will be talking about…

The rollercoaster ride that was. Having gone 3-0 up inside the first 20 minutes, Albany Creek were pegged back to 3-3 by the 50-minute mark. The hosts then regained a two-goal advantage, only to be pegged back one in the 76^thminute. Albany Creek responded almost immediately by restoring their two-goal lead, but Force hit back again with five minutes to play. In the end, the visitors could not find a final equaliser, ending this exhilarating contest agonisingly short of a result.

Looking ahead...

Albany Creek travel to North Star on a high from this opening day win, while Brisbane force will have another crack at the cherry at Lions FC.

Lions FC 1:0 Wolves FC

A Matija Simic strike in the latter stages of the match saw Lions overcome last year’s Grand Final winners Wolves FC.

Everyone will be talking about…

Lions’ defensive stability and organisation. Keeping Wolves scoreless is no easy feat – one not many sides are expected to achieve this season. But Lions were outstanding at the back and that is exactly where the foundation of the win came from.

Yeah, but what happened?

In an extremely tight contest where both sides displayed their well-drilled organisational structure, a share of the spoils would have been fare. In the end, Matija Simic popped up with the winner with 10 minutes to play - a decisive contribution in a game of small margins.

The numbers:

Lions – Simic ‘79

Looking ahead...

Lions will be confident going into next week’s match at home to Brisbane Force, while Wolves have it all to do if they are to get their season rolling in their derby with Capalaba.

Like our coverage of Australian football? Help us out by voting for The Football Sack in the Australian Football Fan Awards. For details click here.

NPL South Australia: The action continues

2013-03-05T22:43:00.002+11:00

The second round of South Australia's version of the National Premier League did not disappoint as the competition evened out significantly (almost 80% of teams are in the points after only two matches). There were goals aplenty and some cracker matches too - none better than Raiders v West Torrens.

Some extracts taken from Luca Cetta's wrap for Football Federation South Australia.

Adelaide City 3 (Matthew Halliday, Nick Budin, Marco Mittiga)
Para Hills 1 (Tom Blackett)
Adelaide City Park

Para Hills couldn’t repeat their Round One heroics as Adelaide City earned their first win of the season in a clinical victory.

Concentration early in each stanza cost Knights dearly as a Matthew Halliday goal set City on their way early before captain Nick Budin doubled their advantage not long after half time. Tom Blackett gave the Knights hope but Marco Mittiga sealed the result in injury time.

Best on ground for Adelaide City were Alex Sunasky, Negus and Budin. Matthew Wise, Blackett and Fleetwood shone for the Knights.

Croydon 2 (Shaun McGreevy, Lewis May)
Enfield City 0
Polonia Park

Last season’s Minor Premiers Croydon got on the board with their first win of the season as they defeated Enfield City.

After last week’s embarrassing loss to the promoted Cumberland United, goals from Shaun McGreevy and Lewis May ensured Croydon got back on track in front of their own fans.

The Kings top trio were Daniel Scordo, captain Michael Papacharalambous and May. Enfield could look to the performances of Sam Lennon and Jonathan Moore as positives.

Adelaide Comets 3 (Elias Dermourtzidis, Davide Zerillo, Stephen Warner)
White City 2 (Chris D'alfonso, Dejan Markov)
Santos Stadium

Adelaide Comets had their hearts in their mouths as a fast-finishing White City almost rallied back to claim a point despite a three goal deficit early in the second halv.

Goals from Elias Dermourtzidis, Davide Zerillo and Stephen Warner put the Comets in the box seat but White City threw caution to the wind and were almost rewarded as Chris D’Alfonso and Dejan Markov netted – though it was not to be enough..

The Comets most notable players were Zerillo, Ben Tarabar and Lucas Andreucci while White City trio Micheal Keens, Lloyd Owusu and Sasa Zekanovic impressed.

Western Strikers 1 (Yas Sudic)
Campbelltown City 3 (Michael Matricciani, Calvin Mbarga, Yemen Jamal)
Carnegie Reserve

Two Round One winners faced-off against each other in this battle with Campbelltown keeping the perfect record as they downed Western Strikers in an entertaining match.

Yemen Jamal gave Campbelltown a half-time advantage and the pain was doubled when ex-Strikers player Calvin Mbarga put the ball in the net. The visitors pulled a goal back through Yas Sudic but when Michael Matricciani was on target the match was effectively over.

Andreas Weins, Sudic and Kosta Dimopoulos were Strikers best on a disappointing day, while Campbelltown were led by Todd McSorley, Adam Piscioneri and Matricciani.

Adelaide Cobras 1 (Dion Lambrinos)
Cumberland United 1 (Josh Harvey)
Frank Mitchell Park

Cumberland United continued their good start to the season earning a point against Adelaide Cobras in what was the first ever draw in the National Premier League.

Cobras went into the break leading through Dion Lambrinos and would have been confident in finishing the match off but Josh Harvey equalised in the second half to take home a point for the NPL newcomers.

Craig Mullen and Sherwin Emmanuel shone for the Cobras while Ryan Moore, Justin Davis and Robin Lippett were Cumberland’s best.

Adelaide Blue Eagles 0
MetroStars 1 (Scott Tunbridge)
Marden Sports Complex

MetroStars edged Adelaide Blue Eagles to remain one of only three teams to have claimed six points out of six so far.

The match was far from a spectacle with the only goal coming from the penalty spot courtesy of Scott Tunbridge’s boot.

Christopher Atsikbasis, Dean Kenrick and Johnny Giannitto were Blue Eagles best and MetroStars trio Tony Hatzis, Lee Robertson and Adam Van Dommele were outstanding.

Raiders 4 (Alemayo Kebede x2, Adrian Macolino, Matthew Gaston)
West Torrens Birkalla 3 (Ryan Kitto, Michael DeBono, Tom Briscoe)
Croatian Sports Centre

West Torrens Birkalla scored three goals for the second week in a row but it was not enough as they went down to Raiders in an absolute thriller.

Birkalla went into the shed one goal up but the contest exploded after the break with six further strikes.

The Raiders’ Alemayo Kabede was on target again for his new club with a brace while Adrian Macolino and Matthew Gaston scored for the home team. And while they went home empty handed, Ryan Kitto, Michael DeBono and Tom Briscoe all got on the scoresheet.

Kabede, Macolino and Joshua Leader shone for Raiders. Birkalla trio DeBono, Justin Bralic and Kitto played well.

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	For	Agst	GD	PTS
1	Campbelltown City	2	2	0	0	5	2	3	6
2	Metrostars	2	2	0	0	3	0	3	6
3	Raiders	2	2	0	0	6	4	2	6
4	Cumberland United	2	1	1	0	3	1	2	4
5	West Torrens Birkalla	2	1	0	1	6	4	2	3
6	Para Hills Knights	2	1	0	1	4	3	1	3
7	Adelaide City	2	1	0	1	3	3	0	3
8	Western Strikers	2	1	0	1	3	3	0	3
9	Croydon Kings	2	1	0	1	2	2	0	3
10	Adelaide Comets	2	1	0	1	3	5	-2	3
11	Adelaide Cobras	2	0	1	1	1	4	-3	1
12	White City	2	0	0	2	3	5	-2	0
13	Adelaide Blue Eagles	2	0	0	2	1	3	-2	0
14	Enfield City	2	0	0	2	0	4	-4	0

Goals
3 - Alemayo Kabede, Raiders
2 - Anthony Taylor, West Torrens Birkalla
2 - Michael Matricciana, Campbelltown City
2 - Scott Tunbridge, MetroStars

Round Three Fixtures
Croydon Kings v Adelaide City, 7pm Friday 8 March, Polonia Reserve
Adelaide Comets v Adelaide Cobras, 8pm Friday 8 March, Santos Stadium
Cumberland United v MetroStars, 3pm Saturday 9 March, A.A Bailey Reserve
Raiders v Para Hills Knights, 3pm Saturday 9 March, Croatian Sports Centre
Adelaide Blue Eagles v Western Strikers, 3pm Saturday 9 March, Marden Sports Complex
White City v West Torrens Birkalla, 7pm Saturday 9 March, Frank Mitchell Park
Enfield City v Campbelltown City, 7pm Saturday 9 March, Rushworth Reserve

NPL South Australia: Starts with a bang

2013-02-26T01:14:00.001+11:00

It was an exciting start to the new National Premier League competition in South Australia as a Grand Final rematch, some David vs Goliath battles and strong competitive football welcomed State League football back in 2013.

Some extracts taken from Luca Cetta's wrap for Football Federation South Australia.

Campbelltown City 2 (Oliver Totani, Michael Matricciana)
Adelaide Blue Eagles 1 (Chris Annicharico)
Woodcock Sports Centre

Campbelltown City celebrated it's 50th anniversary and the beginning of the 2013 Premier League season in the best possible manner by defeating rivals Adelaide Blue Eagles 2-1 in the Match of the Round.

Christopher Annicchiarico opened the scoring for the Blue Eagles but they were down at half time following goals from Oliver Totani and Michael Matricciani. Campbelltown goalkeeper Les Pogliacomi was in top form including saving a penalty, and despite the best efforts of the away side, the second half remained scoreless.

Best on ground for Campbelltown were Pogliacomi, Totani and Todd McSorley making his debut. Chris Atsikbasis, Kym Harris and Annicchiarico were Blue Eagles’ best.

MetroStars 2 (Scott Tunbridge, James Yong)
Adelaide City 0
TK Shutter Reserve

MetroStars couldn't have started the season in better fashion defeating Adelaide City in the Grand Final rematch.

First half goals from Scott Tunbridge and James Yong were enough to decide the game and make it the perfect start for Ivan Karlovic’s reign at MetroStars.

Andrew Ciarla, Anthony Solagna and Rocky Callisto were MetroStars top trio while for Adelaide City Shannon Day, Matthew Halliday and Alex Sunasky performed well.

White City 1 (Lloyd Owusu)
Raiders 2 (Alemayo Kabede, Evan Metanomski)
Frank Mitchell Park

White City couldn't quite produce the fairytale they were after as they fell to rival Raiders in their first match since their promotion last season.

Alemayo Kabede opened the scoring on his Raiders debut with a stunning finish before Lloyd Owusu equalised for White City with a powerful header. Evan Metanomski nodded home Kabede’s free kick in the 80th minute to seal victory for the visitors.

Milos Tosic, Nicholas Mavromatis, Nathan Bowden–Haase were White City’s best.

Cumberland United 2 (Alex Rideout, Valentino Yuel)
Croydon 0
AA Bailey Reserve

Newly promoted Cumberland United produced the shock of the round when they downed last season’s Minor Premiers Croydon 2-0.

Second half strikes from Alex Rideout and Valentino Yuell was enough to surprise the Premiers as the Foxes returned to the top flight in some style!

Jim Stavrides, Robin Lippett and Rideout were Cumberland’s best on ground with coach Michael Brooks celebrating his first match in charge with a win.

Enfield City 0
Western Strikers 2 (Sanjin Julardzidja, Michael Russo)
Rushworth Reserve

A goal in each half was all Western Strikers needed as they defeated Enfield City 2-0 at Rushworth Reserve on Saturday night.

Sanjin Julardzidja and Michael Russo were on target each side of half-time for Frank Tibaldi’s team as both men found the net in enterprising fashion.

Johnathan Moore, Ryan Flynn and Kieran Watson were Enfield’s best on a disappointing night while Daniele Lastella, Isaac Carmody and Andre Noujaim were the Strikers’ standouts.

Para Hills Knights 3 (Nathan Fleetwood, Michael Mullen, Rhys Townsend)
Adelaide Comets 0
The Paddocks

Newly promoted Para Hills produced a convincing Round One display to topple Adelaide Comets 3-0.

Nathan Fleetwood netted against his former side on debut for the Knights, while Michael Mullen and Rhys Townsend also found the back of the net.

Fleetwood, Ben Moore and Matthew Wise were Para Hills most impressive while the Comets Nick Visvardis, Mehari Tesema and Zachary Hristodoulopoulos performed well.

West Torrens Birkalla 3 (Anthony Taylor x2, Ryan Kitto)
Adelaide Cobras 0
Jack Smith Park

West Torrens Birkalla had little trouble in defeating Adelaide Cobras 3-0 at Camden Sports Complex on Saturday night.

Anthony Taylor netted the season’s first brace, as Ryan Kitto also found the target in the victory.

Taylor, Adam LeCornu and Kitto were Birkalla’s best, while Cobras top performers were Ali Toure, Craig Mullen and Kerry Phillippou.

POS	TEAM	P	W	L	For	Agst	GD	PTS
1	Para Hills Knights	1	1	0	3	0	3	3
2	West Torrens Birkalla	1	1	0	3	0	3	3
3	Western Strikers	1	1	0	2	0	2	3
4	Metrostars	1	1	0	2	0	2	3
5	Cumberland United	1	1	0	2	0	2	3
6	Campbelltown City	1	1	0	2	1	1	3
7	Raiders	1	1	0	2	1	1	3
8	Adelaide Blue Eagles	1	0	1	1	2	-1	0
9	White City	1	0	1	1	2	-1	0
10	Enfield City	1	0	1	0	2	-2	0
11	Adelaide City	1	0	1	0	2	-2	0
12	Croydon Kings	1	0	1	0	2	-2	0
13	Adelaide Comets	1	0	1	0	3	-3	0
14	Adelaide Cobras	1	0	1	0	3	-3	0

Goals
2 - Anthony Taylor, West Torrens Birkalla
1 - Ryan Kitto, West Torrens Birkalla
1 - Nathan Fleetwood, Para Hills Knights
1 - Michael Mullen, Para Hills Knights
1 - Rhys Townsend, Para Hills Knights
1 - Sanjin Julardzidja, Western Strikers
1 - Michael Russo, Western Strikers
1 - Alex Rideout, Cumberland United
1 - Valentino Yuel, Cumberland United
1 - Lloyd Owusu, White City
1 - Alemayo Kabede, Raiders
1 - Evan Metanomski, Raiders
1 - Scott Tunbridge, MetroStars
1 - James Yong, MetroStars
1 - Oliver Totani, Campbelltown City
1 - Michael Matricciana, Campbelltown City
1 - Chris Annicharico, Adelaide Blue Eagles

Round Two Fixtures
Adelaide City v Para Hills Knights, 7:30pm Friday 1 March, Adelaide City Park
Croydon Kings v Enfield City, 7:30pm Friday 1 March, Polonia Park
Adelaide Comets v White City, 8pm Friday 1 March, Santos Stadium
Western Strikers v Campbelltown City, 1pm Saturday 2 March, Carnegie Reserve
Adelaide Cobras v Cumberland United, 1pm Saturday 2 March, Frank Mitchell Park
Adelaide Blue Eagles v MetroStars, 1pm Saturday 2 March, Marden Sports Complex
Raiders v West Torrens Birkalla, 3pm Sunday 3 March, Croatian Sports Centre

NPL Capital Football: Pre-Season Wrap

2013-02-20T00:18:00.000+11:00

With the first round of the newly branded National Premier League: Capital Football set for 10th March the ACT’s elite Premier League teams were in action across Canberra and beyond over the weekend as pre-season continued at pace and preparations of the new campaign ramped up a gear.

All the National Premier League: Capital Football squads with the exception of Monaro Panthers played friendly matches on Saturday.

The Australian Institute of Sport looked like securing only their second win of the National Youth League season at the AIS Track on a warm afternoon as they coasted into a 3-0 half-time lead against Brisbane Roar with, arguably, their most complete forty-five minutes of the season. Marc Marino continued his recent run of good form with a brace of goals before Dylan Smith tapped in the third.

The dismissal of defender Marc Ochieng on the cusp of the break proved the turning point though as the Roar regrouped at the break and emerged full of fire and determination. A backs to the wall defensive effort followed but the AIS couldn’t stem the tide and four goals in the second stanza saw the Roar to a heart-breaking win.

Canberra FC travelled interstate to tackle Dapto Dandaloo Fury, one of the top sides from the Wollongong area, and came away satisfied with their performance in a 3-2 loss. This Canberra FC side had a very youthful look to it and goals were scored by top prospects Aaron Evans, recently returned from the Australian Schoolboys tour to Brazil and Daniel Bennett. Coach Miro Trninic would have been buoyed by the display and the former champions are looking in good shape ahead of their season opener against Tuggeranong United in three weeks.

In-form striker Lukas Cole was at it again for his new club Canberra Olympic as Leo Exarhos’ team made it three wins from three in their pre-season matches. Cole scored twice for the exciting looking Olympic line-up as they won away at Warwilla Wanderers, 3-1. Experienced campaigner Robbie Schroder added the other, making it two in two weeks having netted against Wollongong Olympic last time out and with their Premier League under-20 and under-18 sides also claiming a victory 2013 promises to be a good one for Olympic.

Belconnen United looked in good form themselves on Saturday afternoon following up their 11-0 demolition job last week with a hard-fought 2-0 win over a highly regarded Tarrawanna outfit at McKellar Park. Youngster Michael Reeve staked his place for a regular first team start in 2013 by scoring a well-taken brace of goals for Steve Forshaw’s team who aim to go one better than their Grand Final runners-up spot last season. With a strong looking squad and a balanced free-scoring front line, the Blue Devils appear to be in very good shape.

Over at the University of Canberra it was Cooma Tigers who worked their way to a 3-1 win over Tuggeranong United on a difficult pitch with a thick covering of grass that made sharp-passing almost impossible. Daniel Beaumont struck for Tuggeranong, who welcomed back skipper Tim Ireson from injury, but last season’s Grand Final winners proved too good in the long run as the Tigers struck three times to take out the win. Jair Wilk hit two for the Tigers and Stephen Domenici, fresh from playing his part in the ACT Senior Men’s Futsal success at the FFA Futsal National Championships, added the other as Cooma moved slickly through the gears.

Over at Hawker Football Centre on Saturday evening Canberra City continued their excellent start to their pre-season with a highly creditable 1-0 victory over Granville Rage. City was in good form the majority of the match and thoroughly deserved their narrow victory, achieved courtesy of a goal from Sam McDonald who had struck a brace that saw off Picton Rangers a week earlier. City has yet to concede a goal in two matches and look like they are developing nicely.

The proposed double-header for Woden Valley away to Albury United and Wodonga Diamonds was unfortunately cancelled with the majority of the Woden squad unable to make the trip due to their pre-arranged Futsal commitments.

RESULTS

Dapto Dandaloo Fury 3 Canberra FC 2 (Aaron Evans, Daniel Bennett)

Canberra City 1 (Sam McDonald) Granville Rage 0

Belconnen United 2 (Michael Reeve (2)) Tarrawanna 0

Cooma Tigers 3 (Jair Wilk (2), Stephen Domenici) Tuggeranong United 1 (Daniel Beaumont)

Warwilla Wanderers 1 Canberra Olympic 3 (Lukas Cole (2), Robbie Schroder)

Albury United v Woden Valley – Postponed
Wodonga Diamonds v Woden Valley – Postponed

NYL: AIS 3 (Marc Marino (2), Dylan Smith) Brisbane Roar 4

OTHER RESULTS

Premier League Under-20
Dapto Dandaloo Fury 5 Canberra FC 1
Belconnen United 6 Tarrawanna 0
Cooma Tigers 1 Tuggeranong United 1
Canberra City 2 Granville Rage 4
Warwilla Wanderers 1 Canberra Olympic 5

Premier League Under-18
Canberra City 2 Granville Rage 4
Cooma Tigers 2 Tuggeranong United 2
Warwilla Wanderers 2 Canberra Olympic 3

Premier League Under-16
Canberra City 0 Granville Rage 2

QSL: Sunshine Coast crowned Queensland champions

2012-10-15T21:15:00.002+11:00

Sunshine Coast Fire claimed their third consecutive Queensland State League title on Sunday after defeating Whitsunday Miners 5-4 in a penalty shoot-out at Stockland Park.

Fire captain Greig Henslee slotted the winning penalty to settle two fierce hours of back-and-forth football that remained stubbornly deadlocked at 2-2 following extra time.

In a match marked by missed chances at both ends, defender Dean Faithfull’s missed penalty – the Mackay-based Miners’ fourth of the shoot-out – ultimately proved decisive.

Miners frontman Dan Corbett put the visitors in front on 29 minutes before his opposite number Sean Blackman equalised for Sunshine Coast on the hour; Tyson Holmes then headed the hosts in front in the 83^rdminute until Michael Leslie restored parity three minutes later.

Spurred on by their parochial home crowd, Sunshine Coast began the brighter of the two teams. However, despite dominating possession and field position for the opening ten minutes, Fire failed to fashion anything more than a half chance on goal.

Still settling into the contest, Miners produced the first genuine scoring opportunity of the afternoon when Jordan Corte nodded down Michael Zappone’s floated cross for the surging Mick Van Moolenbroek – the burly striker’s shot shaking the goal frame as it cannoned back off the left crook.

Fire continued to threaten though, with Holmes feeding well-weighted through-balls for Kaine Frew and Kevin A’Herne Evans on either side of goal near on 20 minutes, both subsequently spurning their shots.

Increasing in confidence, Fire continued to pester without threatening Miner’s goalkeeper Brad Moss before Frew’s 15 yard effort on 26 minutes forced the gloveman into a full-stretched finger-tip save.

On the half hour, and against the run of play, the visitors opened the scoring when Zappone fed Corbett with his back to goal near the penalty spot; the imposing striker utilising his strength to turn tightly before slotting his shot into the bottom right corner of the goal.

Shortly after, an increasingly frustrated Fire unsuccessfully pleaded for handball against Michael Leslie after Holmes’ volleyed shot was blocked on the goal line by the Miners centre back.

Whitsundays threatened to extend their lead on 36 minutes when a swift counter-attacking combination unleashed Corte down the left; however the winger’s right-footed shot spluttered agonisingly wide of the far post.

Fire then squandered the final chance to equalise before the interval when Blackman, in his final appearance for the club, headed wide at the far post from Henslee’s pin-point cross.

The second half started as the first ended, Blackman heading a cross from A’Herne-Evans over the cross bar from 10 yards.

The Miners came close again on 53 minutes when Corte slipped his marker, the left-sided winger then rounded the keeper before playing a squared ball just beyond the reach of the lunging Zappone at the far post.

Fire finally equalised on the hour. Fan favourite James Stinson turning a corner kick back across goal from the far post into a crowded penalty area where Blackman rose strongly to head home from five yards out.

Buoyed by their goal, Fire sought to capitalise on their momentum – substitute Alex Barlow cutting a swathe through a broken-down midfield before spraying an ambitious 20-yard attempt well over the top.

In the 69^th minute Holmes was foiled on the goal-line once more when the slightly-built Zappone stood tall at the far post to first deny and then clear Holmes’ well-turned header.

Miners created a well-worked chance on 75 minutes when Corte’s cut-back found Zappone bursting through the penalty box; however, despite controlling astutely at pace, the youngster’s shot was swiftly smothered by the alert keeping of Antony Hall.

Following sustained pressure, the home side finally pulled ahead on 83 minutes through Holmes - the attacking midfielder flat-footing the scrambling Moss by steering Stinson’s lobbed ball back across goal and into the far corner.

Not to be denied in their first grand final appearance, Miners levelled the scores three minutes later – Leslie rising highest against Ryan Smith and Stinson to nod a seemingly innocuous free kick in to the top corner of the net.

Both sides sniffed a chance to steal a winner in time added on; Fire unable to capitalise on a frantic goal mouth scramble before the ball broke at the other end for Van Moolenbroek, whose tepid shot was easily collected by Hall.

The Miners started the final half hour promisingly, substitute Joseph Civello receiving a decisive 30 yard pass from Corey Hooper on the left before blustering his shot high and wide from 12 yards.

Civello had a chance to make amends for his miss shortly after from a corner, but despite rising well in a crowded penalty square he couldn’t control his header, sending it over the bar.

The balance of the match was irrevocably altered in the 8^thminute of extra time when Matt Oldring’s clumsy two-footed challenge on Sam Knight earned the Miner a direct red card - Oldring lashing out at the fourth official’s table on his return to the dressing room.

Despite losing a man and facing sustained pressure, the Miners refused to buckle - Barlow coming closest to edging Sunshine Coast ahead when his 10 yard effort fizzed wide of the far post just before the end of the first extra period.

The impressive Zappone almost stole an improbable win for the visitors when he dispossessed Henslee in the Fire’s third, the impressive youngster only denied by the bravery of Hall who sprinted quickly off his line to block the ensuing shot.

The final ten minutes were all Sunshine Coast though as DeeJay Firth, Holmes and A’Herne-Evans all failed to capitalise on chances, ensuring the game would be decided by penalty shoot-out.

The match concluded five years of the Queensland State League. The competition will be replaced next year by the Australian Premier League.

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