Between them, they’ve taken out just about all the major titles available in Victorian football over the past few seasons – from Community Shields and Dockerty Cups, through to Premiers’ Plates and Grand Finals. There’s no love lost, but more a begrudging and well-earnt mutual respect between Heidelberg United and Bentleigh Greens, with many of these trophy games played out against each other.
The next chapter in the battle of these two very powerful sides takes place at Kingston Heath on Friday with a slightly changed backdrop. Neither side will contest for the Dockerty Cup, nor will they be participants in the main draw of the national FFA Cup competition.
As if to punctuate the different feel to this season, the two will be battling it out for second spot on the NPL table. Although playing second fiddle to leader Avondale, the winner will still consider itself an outside chance to finish the season with the Premiers’ Plate.
Heidelberg United will need to put aside the disappointing 1-0 loss to Kingston City on Monday night, and will have to do it with just a four day turn-around. It faces a Bentleigh Greens outfit that returned to winning ways last week, snapping a run of two consecutive defeats.
George Katsakis will be hoping for a strong rebound effort from his charges as the battle to secure a top two spot heats up in the latter part of the season. With two games in four days, it’s likely Katsakis will make some changes to the starting line up in a bid to secure a positive result on the night.
“Football’s a funny game and a lot can change in a week, I’m hoping the boys are switched on and ready to bounce back (on Friday night).”
The action kicks off at 8:15pm this Friday (July 19) at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, with the Under 20s match starting at 6:00pm. HUFC TV will live stream the match from shortly after 8:00pm via the links at www.hufc.com.au/hufc-tv
