by John Fotinos
Heidelberg United’s 5-0 thrashing of Manningham at the Olympic Village on Saturday leaves it as the only undefeated team in the NPL-Vic Mens’ competition. The comprehensive win extends its unbeaten run to 14 games in all during the 2024 season, and among three teams just three points behind first placed South Melbourne.
Despite missing coach John Anastasiadis, absent battling a viral complaint, Heidelberg completely dominated from the outset, setting a familiar tone to many of its home games this season. Mo Aidara opened the score on the quarter hour mark, tapping home from close range, with a neat Kaine Sheppard headed effort from a corner kick eight minutes later doubling the advantage. Nicholas Olsen effectively finished off the contest just before the main break, firing home a shot after a strong run.
Josh Pin added to his impressive goal tally during the second half, the striker having replaced the injured midfielder Anthony Lesiotis midway through the first half. Kaine Sheppard completed the scoring with a straightforward finish a quarter hour before the end, capping off a week which saw the ‘Bergers advance to Round 6 of the Dockerty – Australia Cup competition after a midweek 4-2 win over Brunswick Juventus.
With a difficult road trip away to Dandenong City next Friday to round out the first half of the 2024 home and away season, Heidelberg will take a lot of confidence from the solid showing thus far, as echoed by Technical Director Nick Deligiannis.
“Our approach has been to take it to other teams from the start. All we can do is keep looking after what we do, which is play our way, and keep getting the results. As long we keep winning games, we’ll be right up there.”
Match Details, Round 12 NPL-Vic Men’s:
Heidelberg United FC 5 (Aidara 16’, Sheppard 24’, 74’, Olsen 44’, Pin 70’) – 0 Manningham United Blues
Under 23s Result: Heidelberg United FC 1 – 2 Manningham United FC
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