Kiss of Death, Round 2, 2011

What a shocking round last week. No money for anyone. I was at two games last week, Oakleigh vs Northcote and South vs Green Gully. Oakleigh vs Northcote was full of drama. Oakleigh should’ve had a man sent off, should’ve lost the game, and overall was pretty poor. Northcote was lively and should’ve been declared the winner. South provided an excellent first 60 minutes, then began to fade away after Gully had equalised. In what easily could’ve finished 5-5, the final result was 1-1. This week, we have the following.

Oakleigh Cannons vs Green Gully
What is it with Oakleigh and playing a few of their games at home in the opening rounds? Something must be done about this. No explanation would be valid, and I find this decision by the FFV as very daft. Oakleigh did not impress me last week at all. Early days one would say, but they don’t seem to be a threat this year. Impotent up front, slow in the backline, and the midfield lacks that X-Factor player. Green Gully is just Green Gully. Will always be tough opponents and I see them beating Oakleigh this week. Oakleigh Cannons 0 – Green Gully 2.

Springvale White Eagles vs South Melbourne
White Eagles are coming off a 3-0 loss to fellow relegation battlers Bentleigh last week. As stated in last weeks Kiss Of Death, White Eagles peaked too too early in the pre-season, and have quite frankly run out of legs. South is looking good, but just needs to iron out a few things in the backline. The transition from defense to midfield is fine, but last week a few errors in the backline nearly cost them the game. Keeper Stefaan Sardelic will be the club's no.1 this season. Deservedly so with young Stefaan performing well when being called on. White Eagles 0 – South 4.

Northcote City vs Melbourne Knights
Northcote City were very unlucky to lose to Oakleigh last week. A disallowed goal (which was NOT offside), and two goalkeeping errors cost them the game against Oakleigh. Melbourne Knights I am yet to see, but they will be contenders this year for a change. They won’t be good enough to beat Northcote at home, but they will be this year's quiet achievers. Northcote City 2 – Melbourne Knights 1.

Dandenong Thunder vs St Albans Saints
Dandy will struggle this year, but will be good enough to just beat St.Albans. St.Albans won’t get relegated and will be a mid table finisher. Dandenong Thunder 3 – St.Albans 2.

Hume City vs Richmond
Yet to see anyone, but Richmond losing to the Bergers tells me that they will definitely struggle this season. Changes off the park will impact the players. Hume City 2 – Richmond 0.

Heidelberg United vs Bentleigh Greens
Heidelberg, one of my least favourite teams. Credit to George Katsakis though. I have been to many a state league game in the last few years, and every bloody game I’m at who walks in... George Katsakis. My hat goes off to him for his scouting abilities. He seems to find players from all over the place, and they end up paying off. Bentleigh Greens are all rapt that they beat Springvale White Eagles. Woopeedoo, you’re both going to get relegated anyway. Will be a tough match, with plenty of cards. Heidelberg United 1 – Bentleigh Greens 1.