NPL VIC Round 11 Wrap: Avondale Slip, Dandenong City Hit Five

James Stuart

Another round of NPL Victoria action brought twists at both ends of the table, as leaders Avondale lost their second, challengers pounced, and the relegation battle tightened in a week packed with drama and big individual performances.

Heidelberg and Oakleigh Close the Gap

League leaders Avondale FC suffered just their second defeat of the season, stunned 3-1 by second-place Heidelberg United in a pulsating clash at Olympic Park. The Warriors were all over the Avengers from the outset, racing to a 3-0 halftime lead with goals in the 20th, 36th, and 45th minutes. An own goal deep into stoppage time was little consolation for Avondale, who still boast the best attack in the league but now find their cushion at the top shrinking.

Oakleigh Cannons seized the opportunity to close the gap, grinding out a 2-1 win away to Altona Magic. George Tsitsinaris grabbed a 95th-minute consolation for the hosts, but by then Oakleigh had done enough to take the points, keeping their strong defensive record intact.

Dandenong Thunder, meanwhile, had the weekend off, their game postponed, meaning the top three are now locked in a fierce three-way scrap.

Green Gully Down South Melbourne, Dandenong City Light it Up

It was another miserable afternoon for South Melbourne, who slumped to a ninth straight game without a win. Paul Hodges struck just after the break to give Green Gully a 1-0 victory, a result that lifts Gully back into the mid-table pack and leaves South teetering just above the drop zone.

At Frank Holohan Reserve, Dandenong City delivered the attacking performance of the round, hammering Port Melbourne Sharks 5-2. Kenjok Athiu was the star of the show, bagging a brilliant hattrick as City overwhelmed the Sharks, who continue to struggle badly in defence, shipping a league-worst 31 goals.

Preston and Hume Climb

Preston Lions picked up a valuable three points with a 2-1 win over St Albans Saints, all the action coming in a lively first half. The Lions’ steady form keeps them fifth, holding off a chasing pack.

Hume City also did their top-six chances no harm, edging out Melbourne Knights 2-1. It’s a much-needed boost for Hume, who jump to sixth, while the Knights’ woes deepen.

League Table Snapshot

At the bottom, it’s increasingly desperate. Altona Magic and Port Melbourne remain anchored to the drop zone, as Melbourne Knights occupy the third spot on goal difference.

Magic’s lack of goals - just five in eleven games - continues to haunt them, while Port’s leaky defence remains their Achilles’ heel. With the season approaching the halfway mark, every point is beginning to feel like gold dust.

Avondale still lead the way on 27 points, but Heidelberg and Oakleigh are now just two points back and closing fast. Dandenong Thunder sit poised just behind them with a game in hand, setting up a thrilling title race.