With no FFA cup this week Victorian football fans turned to the Dockerty Cup, the state version of the FFA cup, to watch powerhouse Melbourne Knights take on the fairy tale side that is South Springvale. South Springvale are the lowest ranked team to still be competing in the FFA Cup as they take on Palm Beach in Queensland later this month. However they had a more pressing issue to attend to on Sunday night as NPL side Melbourne Knights were fixated on winning their 9th cup title. The Knights looked the better side over 90 minutes however scores remained 0-0 at the end of regular time. In extra time it could have gone both ways and as the match looked destined for Penalty’s, Knights midfielder Tomislav Uskok happened to be in the right spot at the right time, scrambling home the winner with almost the last play of the game. A fantastic win for a side that looks destined to finish the league season mid table. As for Springvale, their attention surely turns to their round of 16 FFA Cup clash.
Murray United F.C.’s 2015 league, NPL1, is looking set to go down to the wire this season as a plethora of clubs are still fighting for the promotion spots. Avondale Heights SC look set to win the league as they sit 8 points clear with 4 matches remaining but below them 6 teams are fighting for 2nd position. With only the top 2 teams gaining promotion to the NPL, St Albans, FC Bulleen, Box Hill, Richmond SC and Moreland will all be fighting tooth and nail to claim the glory over the remaining weeks.
Finally, the Victorian National Premier League has decided at least one fate this season. In what will most likely become our local rivalry, Goulburn Valley Suns from Shepparton will be relegated to the NPL1 for next season. The Suns had a tough first season in the top flight and may benefit from playing in the second division, making for some fiery derby’s between the 2 sides from the North-East. Fellow regional side Ballarat Red Devils also loom as the final team to be relegated.
Photo courtesy Kristian Scott, Monash Weekly
