Josh the Linchpin in ‘Berger Comeback

by John Fotinos

If anyone epitomises the high energy & intensity football of Heidelberg in 2024, it’s Josh Pin. In an early season match against the highly-fancied Oakleigh, it was fitting that the ‘Bergers forward played a huge part by coolly scoring the equaliser early in the second half to give his team a share of the spoils.

Josh Pin Goal

In a dramatic pregame twist, new Heidelberg coach John Anastasiadis was absent from his team’s first home game of the season – sidelined due to a medical condition. This left Assistant Savvas Patikkis at the helm along with Technical Director Nick Deligiannis in support.

 

Thankyou to match day sponsor Power Crank for their valued support

The ‘Bergers, perhaps unnerved early on by the situation, fell behind after sustained Oakleigh pressure. Defender Connor Hampson rose well to head home a Joe Guest free kick to give the visitors the lead on the quarter hour mark. Somewhat stung, the ‘Bergers gradually gained a foothold in the match, persisting with an intense physical approach coupled with accurate passing moves. The promised high octane approach paid off early in the second half with Josh Pin outpacing two defenders before swivelling to fire past Feeley.

With the match delicately poised, both sides might have taken all three points, with the Cannons withstanding a late withering burst by Heidelberg. Coach Savvas Patikkis was pleased with the effort, saying: “Oakleigh is a well organised and strong team, and that we were able to match them and get on top for lengthy periods of the game shows that the players are adapting well to our plans and methods through the preseason – its still a work n the progress, and I’m confident we’ll get better in the coming weeks.

Full Highlights

Match Details: Heidelberg United FC 1 (Pin 17’) – Oakleigh Cannons 1 (Hampson 15’) Under 23 match scheduled for Monday February 19 at 6:00pm at the Olympic Village