With only six rounds to go until end of the 2010 Victorian Premier League season, this weekend we have another "catch up round" for matches that have been postponed during the season.
The winter weather hasn’t been kind to the Bentleigh Greens this year, and tomorrow night they will play their round eight match against Heidelberg United after it was postponed earlier in the season due to a waterlogged pitch. Last weekend their round 16 match against Northcote City was also postponed for the same reason, with that match being rescheduled for Wednesday 28th July, at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex.
Having last weekend off was not ideal for Bentleigh, as they were going into their game against Northcote City high in confidence following a win the previous week. Only time will tell if the week off has helped or hindered their chances against Heidelberg United.
Heidelberg continues to be the form team of the competition, racking up victory after victory against quality opposition. On Monday night they were too good for the Oakleigh Cannons, with a George Slefendorfas goal the difference in the end.
A top five spot is up for grabs for the winner of this match. Both teams are on 18 points, with Heidelberg United slightly ahead on the ladder in seventh position.
The other “catch up round” match to be played this weekend is between South Melbourne and Altona Magic on Sunday at John Cain Memorial Park.
To say this is a must-win match for both teams is an understatement.
Like most teams this year, both clubs are in danger of being relegated if they don’t start stringing some wins together.
South Melbourne was disappointed not to walk away with any points last weekend against Dandenong Thunder, eventually succumbing 3-2.
After going down 2-0 in the first half, South mounted a gallant fight back, but it was a penalty in the 66th minute that proved the difference.
“We showed some good signs obviously in the second half coming back from two goals down,” coach Vaughan Coveny said.
“I thought we had the momentum, but the penalty hurt us.”
South Melbourne will be without Ramazan Tavsancioglu for this big match, after their captain received a red card against Dandenong.
“We’ve got a big squad and we’re confident we can cover him.”
Coveny also said a few of his players have been unable to train this week as they are recovering from niggling injuries.
Altona Magic was heavily defeated by Green Gully last weekend, 4-1, at Paisley Park Soccer Complex. Altona has now conceded 30 goals this season, the most out of all the VPL clubs. Despite their quality attacking displays recently, captain Pece Siveski admitted there are concerns about the side’s defence.
“Of course it is (concerning), we’ve conceded 11 goals in three games, we’re going to have to fix that problem. We’ll work on things at training and with the formation.”
At this stage Sime Kovacevic is the only player confirmed out of the Altona side for this weekend’s game following his red card against Green Gully.
The last time these two sides played was in round one at Paisley Park Soccer Complex, the match ended in 1-all draw.
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Last updated: Thursday July 1, 2010 9:31PM
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