State League Two Round 9

RMIT managed to retain first place in the league despite a draw to the bottom side in North Melbourne and this week it was the 6th placed Wollert who had to step up to take down the top team. The first period was scrappy with both teams stuck in a deadlock unable to break the game open, as such it ended scoreless. The game remained scrappy in the second half but this time featured goals as a flourish in the first 8 minutes of the second half brought all 5 goals of the game. It was RMIT’s to lose as they held onto a single goal lead and Gilang Tizar in goals made sure the 3 points would stay safe.

Man of the Match – Gilang Tizar (RMIT FC)

After Toorak dropped points last week they were looking to get back on track against an ever improving Prahran who were finding their form from last season. The first half started with a bang as the Toorak squad were clearly not prepared by the start of the game as Prahran steamed ahead with Naqeeb Tahsin scoring a hat trick in the first half. Slowly Toorak found their way back into the game to only trail by a goal at the half. The goals slowed down in the second period with both teams having a better defensive structure. In the end the single goal lead at the break was enough with Toorak unable to peg it back handing Prahran their 3rd win on the trot.

Man of the Match – Naqeeb Tahsin (FC Prahran)

After pulling out an unlikely draw to RMIT last week North Melbourne were back on the hunt as they looked to spoil the top of the table once again. Tullamarine started the better of the two sides and with thanks to an unfortunate own goal and one from Trent Edwards a 2-0 lead at the break looked good for Tulla. North Melbourne dug deep and mounted a recovery in the second half, influential last week Abdul Deroune was again the centre point scoring 2 hugely important goals to help North Melbourne get ahead. Tullamarine once again will be dissapointed after spurning a chance to jump into the top two spots following Toorak’s loss while North Melbourne look like they have finally got their season underway.

Man of the Match – Abdul Deroune (North Melbourne FC)

The last match of the night had Coburg who were coming off the back of two 1 goal losses to top 3 teams take on Essendon who had pipped Toorak to close the gap to 3rd place. In an even first half both new goalkeepers were tested with Eddington for Essendon and Ferreira for Coburg standing up well. Amanatidis got both of Coburg’s early goals to keep them level with Essendon at the break. The second half saw an unlikely scorer as captain Stefan Velluto bombed home to match his opposing captain Jesse Ngo’s goal. Essendon had chances to pull Coburg back but were unable to finish and left themselves vulnerable at the back to which Chris Velluto pounced to seal off the game handing an important win the way of Coburg.

Man of the Match – Nick Amanatidis (Coburg Ath)