Following its decisive 3-0 win in the 2020 season opener, Heidelberg United travels to a venue that has not necessarily ben a happy hunting ground. The ‘Bergers have had just two wins in the last eight visits to Jack Edwards Reserve to take on Oakleigh, the last of which was in 2018.
This matchup, one of five Friday night Round 2 matches in the NPL, will pit two of Round 1’s big winners up against each other in a bid to maintain their 100% record to start the season. Oakleigh hosted and easily accounted for last year’s Grand Final runner-up Avondale, running out 3-1 winners – with goals to Dekker, Knowles and Guest setting up a comfortable lead before a late own goal blotted the copybook.
Heidelberg United’s new-look line up travelled to arch-enemy territory, accounting for South Melbourne by an impressive 3-0 margin. A first half header by Lucas Derrick was followed by a late second half strike by new signing Dusan Bojnak to double the advantage. Derrick added a third, and his second for the night, to round out a successful start to 2020 for George Katsakis’ charges.
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It promises to be an exciting affair, with Oakleigh and Heidelberg entering the encounter full of confidence. The home side will have the advantage of being in familiar surroundings, but aware that Heidelberg will have plenty of support in what should be a bumper Friday night crowd at the compact stadium. Whatever the outcome, if the standard of play matches the encounters of the past few seasons, it will be well worth the attendance fee.
The match kicks of at 8:30PM this Friday at Jack Edwards Reserve in Oakleigh. LIVE ON HUFC TV www.hufc.com.au/hufc-tv