By JARROD POTTER
Football federation Victoria – NPL
EVEN though the Police Paddocks are usually full of kangaroos and passing wombats, a Zebra infestation took hold on Saturday as Moreland knocked off home-side Dandenong City 0-3 at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex.
The City boys were keen to move up the ladder with a win, but Moreland let nothing penetrate its defences.
Moreland’s attack almost reaped dividends early in the clash before the breakthrough goal in the 30th minute as Joel Nikolic headed home the first from a set piece.
Nikolic doubled the lead just after the resumption – shooting cleanly from the penalty spot in the 47th minute, before Nicholas Symeoy kicked the final nail into the Dandenong City coffin for the afternoon.
Dandenong’s efforts almost reaped goals at the other end following the Moreland goal-spree as Dario Matkovic continue to toil and set up chances.
Undisciplined efforts from Steven Topalovic and Goran Jozeljic left the pair with double yellow cards and the referee sent them from the field in the 76th and 79th minute respectively. The pair are now set to miss next week’s clash against St Albans.
Springvale White Eagles were bested by the NPL1 ladder leaders Avondale Heights 0-3 following a comprehensive victory by the visitors to the Serbian Sports Centre.
Defensive errors cost the White Eagles dearly as the visitors walked past Springvale’s last line with ease.
Goals to Daniel Slovacek, Zoran Pajic and Michele Crazia eviscerated any chance of the White Eagles taking a point.
With two matches left in the inaugural NPL1 season, Springvale White Eagles faces Whittlesea Ranges away on Friday night while Dandenong City heads off to play St Albans Saints on Sunday.
Dandenong Thunder played its last match of the NPL season on Sunday afternoon when the Thunder clashed with Heidelberg United after the Journal went to print.
STATE LEAGUES
Noble Park United knocked off Southern Stars 2-1 in State League 1 South East while South Springvale was beaten 1-2 by Langwarrin. In the last round of the regular season, Noble Park United will travel to Mornington while Malvern City is set to host South Springvale.
