by John Fotinos | Photo by https://m.facebook.com/behindthelenslmr/
Heidelberg United has ignited its top six hopes with a stirring come from behind win over arch rival South Melbourne at the Olympic Village.
A healthy crowd witnessed a pulsating Greek derby which ended with the ‘Bergers inflicting what is only South Melbourne’s second defeat of the season. There was much drama in a high spirited contest in which both teams finished minus their respective captains and a wounded ‘Berger stretchered off with concussion.
Heidelberg had a couple of early opportunities, before Pat Langois put the visitors in front on the quarter hour mark, guiding home a long range shot by Evans. Sawyer then spurned a chance to double South’s advantage, spoiling the good lead up work of team mate Mikkola.
Skipper Reuben Way fired home a first half equaliser for the Warriors, latching on to a precision Sheppard pass to stir up the home supporters to full voice.
The second half saw thrills and spills, with Reuben Way forced off the ground with a suspected broken arm, and South’s skipper Norton replaced after a leg knock. The ‘Bergers were further unbalanced when Ashton sustained a head injury which led to the midfield dynamo being stretchered off.
With just over ten minutes in regulation time remaining, a pinpoint diagonal ball from Theodoropoulos found Sheppard in space. The ‘Berger striker became provider for the second time – with Ivan Franjic’s powerful run from deep rewarded, with the veteran powering home a header from close range to put the Warriors 2-1 ahead. The ‘Bergers were able to see the game out to record just their second home win of the season in the NPL – both coming against the top two sides – and move to eighth spot on the table, just four point shy of sixth spot.
George Katsakis was naturally very pleased with the win, and spoke with pride about a victory earnt in difficult circumstances.
“We had to dig deep and do some major reshuffling with injuries to key players today, but the entire team was exceptional. To win against the top side and get all three points at the start of the second half of the season sets us up for a good run in the coming weeks. It shows that we’re building some depth, with players able to come in and perform as well as we did today.”
Midfielder Anthony Theodorpoulos, who was an influential figure in the victory, spoke of the great rivalry between the two clubs.
“Come on, it’s Heidelberg versus South Melbourne, and we don’t need to be reminded how big the game is. I was just pleased to play my part in the win today. It was great to see all the great support from the big crowd today in such an important win for the team. We’re aiming to have a big second half of the season.’
Next up for the ‘Bergers is a trip out to George Andrews Reserve next Saturday (May 28 at 7:00pm) to take on Dandenong Thunder in Round 15 of the NPL.
Match Details:
Heidelberg United FC 2 (Way 36’, Ivan Franjic 79’) – 1 South Melbourne FC (Langois 15’)
Team Lineup:
GK – 1 – Brendan White
4 – Mallan Roberts
5 – Ajdin Fetahagic
7 – Reuben Way (capt) – (23 – Chudiar Tarjiath 54’)
8 – Dominic Falla
10 – Ivan Franjic
12 – Deion Nikolaidis
14 – Kaine Sheppard
17 – Josh Pin
18 – Anthony Theodoropoulos (6 – Joseph Franjic 82’)
21 – Eoin Ashton (20 – Luka Ninkovic 70’)
Subs not used:
GK – 63 – Nick Eres
22 – Kazuki Okada
24 – Hussain AL SHARIFI
