Heidelberg United hosted Port Melbourne Sharks at Olympic Park in Round 8 of NPL Victoria men’s on a warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, searching for a much needed victory after defeat in the previous round.
Brendan White made his first start for the Warriors in the league this season, looking to show what he is capable of in between the sticks.
The Sharks were awarded a fortunate penalty early on, with the clubs top scorer this season Christopher Duggan to give the away side the lead.
In a relatively tight contest, improvements were made in the beginning of the second half, including an opportunity for Kaine Sheppard who controlled it nicely and struck a low driven shot wide of the goal.
With the solid defensive display from the away side, the Warriors had a difficult time getting in behind Port Melbourne’s backline, to which it involved Ivan Franjic trying his luck from long range with venom but went wide.
Despite a better second half, the frailties of Heidelberg scoring a goal in the previous two home games were evident and this game was no different.
Another opportunity had gone begging for the ‘Bergers as they were eagerly trying to knock over the door that is the Port Melbourne defence, with Ajdin Fetahagic also heading the ball narrowly past the target.
Heidelberg United will urgently require a win next Saturday night at ABD Stadium when they go up against Hume City.
Match Details:
Heidelberg United 0 – Port Melbourne 1 (C. Duggan 8’ P)
1 – Brendan White (GK)
5 – Ajdin Fetahagic
6 – Joseph Franjic
7 – Reuben Way (c)
8 – Dominic Falla (22 – Kazuki Okada 83’)
9 – Adrian Zahra (21 – Eoin Ashton 72’)
10 – Ivan Franjic
12 – Deion Nikolaidis (15 – Brian Summerskill 83’)
14 – Kaine Sheppard
20 – Luka Ninkovic (19 – Sean Ellis 72’)
23 – Chudiar Tharjiath (18 – Anthony Theodoropoulos 90’)
Subs not used:
63 – Nick Eres (GK)
Written by Alex Bagdasarian
