Bentleigh Greens took the first points of the season from Northcote City, holding them to a 1-1 draw.
In what was predicted to be the most entertaining round of the Victorian Premier League, Round Eight certainly lived up to its billing as it delivered in spades. Melbourne Knights v Dandenong Thunder will go down as one of the all-time classic matches while a top of the table clash was good value too.
Northcote City 1 (Piemonte 2') Bentleigh Greens 1 (Etheridge 71') John Cain Memorial Park
Points were shared in the top of the table clash between Northcote City and Bentleigh Greens on Sunday afternoon. It was the first time this season that Northcote dropped points, going into the match with a 100 percent record.
In a frantic three minute period both sides could consider themselves lucky not to have lost as Bentleigh missed an open goal before Northcote went a man up following Wayne Wallace-s dismissal in the 78th minute.
Northcote take on South Melbourne in the State Knockout Cup next week while Bentleigh travel to Sunshine George Cross.
Port Melbourne Sharks 4 (Ibrahim 29' 41' Bowen 73' Hockless 80') Southern Stars 2 (Walker 6' 51') JL Murphy Reserve
Despite the score line and three points, Sharks coach Eric Vassiliadis was disappointed with his team-s poor defensive display during their 4-2 victory over Southern Stars. The visitors were on the board early following Travis Walker's goal in the 6th minute however it was all Port Melbourne after that.
Port Melbourne takes on Bentleigh in a fortnight while the winless Southern Stars play host to Green Gully.
Oakleigh Cannons 2 (Boxall 60' Vittiglia 70') Hume City 4 (Sumbul 27' 50' 65' Hegarty 88') Jack Edwards Reserve
Hume City registered their third consecutive win after defeating last year's Grand Finalists Oakleigh Cannons on Friday night. Terkham Sumbul was the hero for the visitors registering a second half hat-trick. Conditions were not ideal for either side however Hume took their chances to raise further questions about the form of the Cannons.
Oakleigh host bottom of the table Richmond in a fortnight when both Miron Bleiberg and Grant Brebner will hope to get their first win as coach this season. Hume City play host to Pascoe Vale.
Richmond 1 (Armenian 39-) Green Gully Cavaliers 2 (Fleming 12- Hayne 43-) Kevin Bartlett Reserve
The game between Richmond and Green Gully was abandoned after 70 minutes due to poor pitch conditions on Friday night. Rules of Competition state that 80 percent of the match must be played in order for the result to stand. Before making a decision the federation is waiting for the referee-s report to confirm the exact time play was stopped.
Green Gully travel once again to Southern Stars while Richmond play host to Box Hill United in the State Knockout Cup next week.
Pascoe Vale 0 South Melbourne 0 Hosken Reserve
Despite being reduced to ten men early in the game Pascoe Vale kept South Melbourne to a goalless draw on Saturday evening. Luca Santilli was sent off for head butting an opponent after just ten minutes however they managed to deny a rampant South Melbourne who had the majority of chances during the game.
Both sides will compete in the State Knockout Cup next week with Pascoe Vale hosting Werribee City and South Melbourne taking on fellow VPL side Northcote City.
Melbourne Knights 4 (Fraser 37' J.Colosio 51' Daramy 83' Zilic 92') Dandenong Thunder 3 (Bran 5' Safa 26' Mala 81') Knights Stadium
In what will likely go down as the match of the season, Melbourne Knights stole all three points over the Champions Dandenong Thunder with an injury time winner to captain Adam Zilic having been 2-0 down in the first half.
Knights celebrated their 60th year anniversary on Saturday night and their passion and determination showed in the final stages of the game when it looked like Dandenong would hold on to the three points.
Dandenong take on St Kilda in the State Knockout Cup next week while Melbourne Knights will have to wait a fortnight to take on South Melbourne in the VPL.
Image by Cindy Nitsos