Kiss of Death, Round 14, 2011

Scotch Watch
Bentleigh have been undefeated since Johnny A took over, but it's been mostly draws, including last week. South finally ended its winless streak against Springvale to extend its lead to six points, which was cut back to three after the Greens managed to squeeze past the VTC midweek. The Greens and South meet this week, and South play the VTC next week. Two wins over those sides for South could just about seal the Scotch Watch Cup.

• South Melbourne, 5th place, 24 points, goal difference -2
• Bentleigh Greens, 7th place, 21 points, goal difference +1

Springvale White Eagles vs Oakleigh Cannons
11th v 1st. Springvale have improved heaps since the introduction of Bojo Jevdjevic as senior coach three weeks ago. They were unlucky not to get at least a point from the game against South Melbourne last weekend. Oakleigh is sitting pretty on top with a pack of teams chasing them. They are coming off a 1-1 draw away at Gully, and are most likely looking to get three points out of Springvale. I’ll be tipping a draw on this one as Springvale might surprise this weekend like they did last. SWE 2 – Oakleigh Cannons 2.

Green Gully Cavaliers vs Melbourne Knights
8th v 10th. This will be Green Gullys fourth home game in a row. How this works in a ‘home and away’ competition, no one knows (their ground probably wasn't ready in the early part of the season, ed). Either way, they will be too good for the Knights. The Knights are coming off a 2-2 draw at home to Northcote, and seem to have steadied the ship out of relegation. Green Gully 2 – Melbourne Knights 1.

Northcote City vs St.Albans Saints
6th v 13th. After last weeks loss to Dandenong, St.Albans are most likely destined to drop back into State 1. They made a handful of signings midweek, including Danny Tiatto (so I’ve been told), but I can’t see this being enough to overcome a resurgent Northcote City. Northcote should really have an outing this weekend, and Rixon will most probably run riot on the St.Albans defence. Northcote City 5 – St.Albans Saints 1.

Dandenong Thunder vs Richmond
4th v 9th. The question on everyones lips is, “will the lights go out”. I do not believe that the FFV is allowing Dandenong Thunder to continue playing under lights out at George Andrews. There is an obvious electrical problem out at that ground and until it’s rectified and independently examined and tested, there should be no night games allowed. Nonetheless, they will beat Richmond and beat them well, if the lights stay on. Dandenong Thunder 3 – Richmond 1.

Heidelberg United vs Hume City
3rd v 2nd. Osagie copped four weeks from the tribunal midweek for his indiscretion against Bentleigh. Hume on the other hand clobbered Richmond as predicted. This is a tough one to pick as both teams seem to have hit some form. However, since I must pick, I’m picking an exciting draw. Heidelberg United 3 – Hume City 3.

Bentleigh Greens vs South Melbourne
7th v 5th. The little side wager I have going, looks like it’s on track, for now. This can all change if South was to lose at Bentleigh. Bentleigh was good against Heidelberg last week, but only in the last 35 minutes of the second half. In the first half they were a bit all over the shop defensively, and Heidelberg had the majority of the play. Bentleigh depended on counter attacks. A less than impressive South against Springvale has everybody asking questions. To be frank, we were terrible. We struggled to beat the second last team 1-0 at home. They had the better chances, but thanks to poor finishing, we were able to get the three points. But that’s what the VPL is about. Who cares how you play as long as you get the three points, which is what matters at the end of the day. The new boys looked like they fit straight in and that wasn’t an issue. The issue was our transition from defence to midfield. Balls were sprayed all over the park early on and we seemed to lack that pass out of the back. The midfielders were asking for the ball numerous times, yet the ball was switched across the backline, when really they should’ve gone forward. When this pass finally happened, it was at the wrong moment. This needs to be addressed and I hope it’s being addressed at training. From midfield to attack we looked good, except for the final pass. I still think the ground at Northcote does not suit us due to the non-width. We are a wide playing team who like to stretch opposition defences rather than go through the middle. We just cannot achieve this at Northcote. When we have a paddock to play in that’s very wide, like Green Gully, then we look like the Hellas of old. Either way, not every ground is made to our liking, so minor tactical adjustments should be made prior to game day. Injuries and suspensions have cost us points this season, but with our mid season recruiting I think we have patched up a few holes. Bentleigh Greens 0 – South Melbourne 3.