Dandy impress in knockout comp

By Gavin Staindl
TWO more Dandenong teams have advanced through to the next round of the Mirabella Cup after wins in last week’s round two match-ups.
South Springvale and Dandenong City will both feature in round three of the knockout tournament after beating respective opponents Noble Park and Springvale City.
Springvale City nearly caused an upset over Dandenong when it held on to a 1-1 scoreline through extra time, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the winner at Frank Holohan Reserve.
As a Division Two side, Dandenong wasn’t supposed to be challenged by a team relegated to the Provisional Leagues last year, and it can consider itself fortunate to escape with a 4-2 win on penalties.
Dandenong potentially faces a round three encounter with South Springvale who fought off a feisty Noble Park in its 2-1 win at Warner Reserve.
After scoring the game’s opening goal, Noble Park’s elation turned to fury when defender George Karagiannis was sent off on the stroke of half time with his second yellow card.
Down to 10 men and exposed out wide, Noble Park did well to prevent easy balls entering the box but could only watch as Kenny Athieu’s brilliant defensive effort affected the equaliser early in the second half.
Athieu found himself capitalising on an empty net after blocking a clearing kick from Noble Park goalkeeper Freddy Au.
With the goalkeeper out of position, Athieu pounced on the loose ball and tapped in South’s first goal.
South Springvale substitute Daniel Loxouakis provided the eventual winner late in the match with a header from a tight angle.