Heidelberg has made it a night to remember for three of its favourite ‘Bergers stalwarts celebrating significant career achievements.
For Luke Byles and Les Doumbalis reaching 200 games for the club, as well as Josh Wilkins notching up the ton, the 2-0 victory over Dandenong Thunder was a fitting way for the ‘Bergers to get it done, with the trio, all sturdy members of the back four, helping to keep a clean sheet.
It was just about the perfect occasion at Olympic Village as the ‘Bergers made it look very comfortable to record its third win in a row. You can only beat who is in front of you, and at the moment Heidelberg are looking as strong as they’ve been this season.
Coming off back-to-back wins ahead of the meeting with Dandenong Thunder, the ‘Bergers looked ominous with their usual intent in the first half.
With its sheer potency in attack, the ‘Bergers took a deserved lead, as Andrew Cartanos made a long run down the line before launching a wonderful switch pass to set up Reuben Way, who unselfishly teed it up for Tom Cahill.
Sealing the three points proved to be the approach the break, but Harry Noon waited until late on to cap off exactly what the ‘Bergers wanted. Milestone man Wilkins had been nailing some delicious crosses all night and he finally found someone to link up with on the end of one of them as Noon was found in space to fire home a low drive.
The ‘Bergers are back in some fine form and the defensive line are becoming a tough unit to break down once more – a key ingredient to any championship side.
George Katsakis spoke post-match about this important victory.
“Byles, Doumbalis and Wilkins have been great players for a long time,” Katsakis said.
“They’ve all come through the ranks and we know what we’re going to get from them each week.
“Credit goes to the whole club as a place that you won’t want to leave and there should be more milestones on the way.”
Match details:
Heidelberg United FC 2 (Cahill 20’, Noon 85’) – Dandenong Thunder FC 0
Under 20s result:
Heidelberg United 3 – 1 Dandenong Thunder
