NPL: It is time for South Melbourne to show what they are made of

Sport / Football

South Melbourne will attempt to pass unscathed through Knights home – The Cannons are gearing up for a thrilling away match against the formidable Thunder – Heidelberg has the chance to win back to back – Port Melbourne and Bentleigh are expecting dangerous missions away from home

Port Melbourne wants to stay in the top five of the table. Photo: Con Deves

James Deliyannis 31 May 2023 6:00pm

Melbourne Knights – South Melbourne

This week, South Melbourne will travel north to face the fourth-ranked Melbourne Knights in the NPL. Coming off an away draw in Oakleigh, the "Knights" are closing in on the top three and will strive to stay close to the top of the standings with a win on the pitch.

The Greek team hopes to extend their seven-game winning streak and anticipates that Avondale won't be able to win at Hume City on Sunday afternoon (04/06). Should this scenario come to pass, South Melbourne will be the only team at the top of the rankings.

Dandenong Thunder – Oakleigh Cannons

On Friday night, the Cannons, last season's champions, will compete opposite the ever-calculable Thunder in hospitable Dandenong. Chris Taylor's team wants to put the home draw of the previous week against the Knights behind them and strive for positive results that will keep them within a breath's distance of the top of the standings.

Chris Taylor's changes to the team he will line up will be closely monitored, as the team's performance in the last game was one of the worst they have displayed this season.

Heidelberg United – St Albans Saints

United has the chance to secure two series wins in the championship this week when he hosts St Albans Saints. Sitting in eleventh place on the table, just three points behind the "Black and Yellow" club, the "Saints" will add excitement to the match taking place Friday night at Heidelberg West.

Let's cross our fingers and hope that the historical club will be able to secure the three points that will give them the confidence and momentum they need to continue their championship journey.

Moreland City – Port Melbourne Sharks

This weekend, Port Melbourne will be undertaking a perilous mission to take on Moreland City in order to remain in the top five of the standings. The "Greek" team is coming off an in-house victory against North Geelong, where Adam Piddick's players displayed impressive football with their swift ball exchanges, offensive mindset, and strict adherence to the coach's plan.

Green Gully – Bentleigh Greens

Bentleigh Greens will have to give their all from here on out as the margins are tightening week by week. This weekend, they will face Green Gully away from home, hoping to get something out of the match. The hosts are a very solid team, so the visitors must leave their hearts on the field if they want to have any hopes of ending the season on a positive note.

NPL2

This weekend, the three "Greek" clubs of NPL2 will be playing at home.

It's set to be a thrilling weekend of football as Kingston City, who are currently third in the standings, host Werribee. Northcote City will face Juventus, who are relatively weak this year, while Brunswick City will battle Manningham.

NPL3

Box Hill will strive to bring joy back to their fans this weekend, after suffering a 6-1 loss at Boroondara's home in their last match. This result left the entire club in shock and dismay.

State Leagues

Yarraville will have the opportunity to move even closer to the top of the ladder this season, as they welcome Banyule City.

Away missions await Malvern and Aris, the two Green clubs from the Southern Group. Malvern will play Bentleigh, while Aris will travel to Eltham to face the local team.NPL Round 16

Friday 02/06

Melbourne Knights – South Melbourne 19:30

Green Gully – Bentleigh Greens 20:00

Oakleigh Cannons – Dandenong Thunder 20:30

Heidelberg United – St Albans Saints 20:30

Saturday 03/06

Moreland – Port Melbourne Sharks 15:00

North Geelong Warriors – Altona Magic 15:00

Hume City – Avondale 18:30

NPL Table

1. Avondale 15 40

2. South Melbourne 15 40

3. Oakleigh Cannons 15 33

4. Melbourne Knights 15 31

5. Port Melbourne 15 24

6. Dandenong Thunder 15 22

7. Green Gully 15 18

8. Hume City 15 17

9. Altona Magic 15 17

10. Heidelberg United 15 16

11. St Albans Saints 15 13

12. Moreland City 15 12

13. Bentleigh Greens 15 9

14. North Geelong 15 7

NPL2 Round 16

Friday 02/06

Pascoe Vale – Western United (Y) 20:15

Kingston City – Werribee City 20:15

Preston Lions – Dandenong City 20:30

Northcote City – Brunswick Juventus 20:30

Saturday 03/06

Brunswick City – Manningham United Blues 15:00

Eastern Lions – Melbourne City (Y) 15:00

Langwarrin – Bulleen Lions 15:00

NPL2 Table

1. Preston Lions 15 27

2. Western United (Y) 15 27

3. Kingston City 15 26

4. Dandenong 15 26

5. Eastern Lions 15 25

6. Northcote City 15 23

7. Werribee 15 22

8. Langwarrin 15 22

9. Manningham 15 20

10. Brunswick City 15 20

11. Melbourne City (Y) 15 19

12. Pascoe Vale 15 17

13. Bulleen 15 16

14. Brunswick Juventus 15 11

NPL3 Round 12

Friday 02/06

Box Hill United – Caroline Springs George Cross 19:30

Essendon Royals – North Sunshine Eagles 20:15

Saturday 03/06

Ballarat City – Nunawading 15:00

Beaumaris – Melbourne Victory (Y) 15:00

Doveton – Geelong 15:00

Boroondara Carey Eagles – Goulburn Valley Suns 15:00

NPL3 Table

1. Melbourne Victory (Y) 11 25

2. North Sunshine 11 22

3. Nunawading 11 21

4. Goulburn Suns 11 20

5. Caroline Springs 11 19

6. Boroondara 11 17

7. Doveton 11 16

8. Geelong 11 14

9. Beaumaris 11 14

10. Box Hill 11 11

11. Essendon 11 9

12. Ballarat 11 1