By JARROD POTTER
PORT Melbourne Sharks thundered past Dandenong – making the most of two first-half opportunities to snare a 2-0 victory at George Andrews Reserve.
Dandenong’s season came to an end at the hands of the recently promoted Sharks – with the Thunder no chance to catch up the margin to defend its 2012 VPL championship.
Two early goals to the Sharks put the match to bed – with Dandenong unable to capitalise on its chances going the other way.
Opening the account for the Sharks was Felix Rosman – latching onto a poorly defended corner and slotting the goal past Thunder keeper Zaim Zaneli with ease in just the fifth minute.
Luka Prelevic finished the job in the 28th minute – finding himself unguarded at the back of the box, Prelevic struck cleanly to get past Zaneli for the Sharks’ second of the night.
Matt Theodore couldn’t make the most of a perfectly played pass from Nate Foster, and Theodore had his second opportunity soon after, but couldn’t convert a tough shot.
From there Dandenong had to attack to try and mount any visible resistance to the visitors’ offensive spree.
Nate Foster couldn’t finish a one-on-one against Sharks’ keeper Adam Hrehoresin, hooking the shot wide of the goals to the Thunder striker’s visible disappointment.
From there both sides shanked their shots and left the game as it was in the 28th minute, 2-0 to Port Melbourne.
Dandenong sits in eighth and is in a battle to retain that position against Oakleigh – with last year’s grand finalists both missing out on the finals this season.
The run-home starts Wednesday night against Richmond – in a catch up round – before the Thunder’s final match of the season against Green Gully Cavaliers on Sunday.
