By JARROD POTTER
FOOTBALL FEDERATION VICTORIA – NPL
FFV – NATIONAL PREMIER LEAGUES
DANDENONG Thunder performed much better than what any critic would have believed heading into its NPL clash with ladder leading South Melbourne.
Former Thunder coach Chris Taylor brought his high-flying South Melbourne outfit to George Andrews Reserve on Saturday night and made the most of the conditions to take a 1-0 victory.
For the second time this season Dandenong did the unthinkable and held South Melbourne goalless through the first half – emulating the form that forced a penalty shootout in their Dockerty Cup clash earlier this season.
The vastly less-experienced Dandenong Thunder side showed glimpses of its future prospects in the division as the likes of Keiran Dover, Matt Millar and Feston Azizi stepped up to keep creating chances in hope of the go-ahead goal.
Unfortunately for the home side the go-ahead came from the boot of the opposition as Brad Norton cannoned the through-ball to Jamie Reed who slotted the one-and-only goal of the match in the 59th minute to give the former NSL powerhouse the victory.
Dandenong Thunder head to Pascoe Vale on Friday night for a must-win match to stay out of the grips of relegation.
In NPL1 results, Dandenong City had its six-game lossless streak halted 0-2 by Sunshine George Cross after Christopher Dib slotted two goals, including an 86th minute penalty.
The eighth placed Dandenong City now face Avondale Heights SC at home this Saturday, while Springvale White Eagles play Kingston City FC tonight (Monday, 18 August) at The Grange Reserve and the White Eagles hosts FC Bendigo on Saturday.
