By Cameron Briscoe
A hat-trick to Nicholas Marinos has helped Heidelberg United defeated the National Training Centre (N.T.C) at Olympic Village on Wednesday night.
The win was set up in the first half (2-0 at half time) with the home team’s strong defensive pressure and ability to capitalize on its chances proving the difference between the two clubs.
It was an even start to the match, as both teams looked to attack early. The game was played from end-to-end, with each team chancing strikes from beyond the box, testing their opposition’s defence.
Early on, N.T.C looked more impressive, with Peter Skapetis setting up some good chances from the left side of the ground.
However, the away team was unable to capitalize on their early momentum, as Heidelberg’s defence refused to allow N.T.C’s strikers space in the box.
As the first half continued, Heidelberg lifted their intensity, and soon found themselves dictating play through the midfield, and began to look dangerous moving forward.
While N.T.C struggled to slip past the home team’s defence, Heidelberg found themselves in space after every thrust forward and looked likely to score at any moment.
It wasn’t long before the pressure they had built resulted in N.T.C keeper Alastair Bray fouling in the box, meaning an easy penalty for Nick Marinos and his first of three for the night.
Within five minutes, and right on half time, Denis Alilovic had made it two nil as he streaked into the box, stepped around Bray and slotted home an easy goal for the black and yellow.
As the second half began, we saw a renewed N.T.C., sensing that they needed to lift to get back in the game.
The away team dominated early, and managed to keep the pressure on Heidelberg as the ball was kept in N.T.C’s attacking half.
Time and time again, the away looked dangerous as they moved forward, with Daniel Chaabani important in his team’s revival.
Only great saves from the keeper and crossbar could deny N.T.C their first goal as they desperately hoped to capitalize on their domination.
However, Heidelberg’s defence was just too strong, and eventually, after a nasty collision between Heidelberg’s Nikolaos Argyrakakis and Bray, Heidelberg began to get back on top.
As the game entered the 60th minute, Heidelberg had wrestled back control of the contest and Nick Marinos was given too many chances to put the game beyond doubt.
Marinos’ first of the second half was scored as he sprinted through the defence to find himself free in the opposition’s box. He made no mistake drilling it home after stepping past multiple N.T.C players.
His third came minutes later in similar fashion and was far too easy as N.T.C’s defence broke down.
The lapse in concentration was disappointing for the visitors, who had worked hard early in the second period and showed heart getting back into the game.
As full time approached, N.T.C substitute Zoran Surdoski scored a consolation goal in the final minute, making the final score 4-1.
Whilst the game was eventually a blow out, the score line was disappointing for the visitors and didn’t reflect their efforts to fight hard throughout the game.
For Heidelberg, it is only positive signs, with an outstanding performance from Nick Marinos and a strong game from their defence.
The yellow and black army must now maintain their winning form against South Melbourne in round 17 at Olympic Village, as they push toward the top of the table.
Heidelberg United: Christian Morales, Nikolaos Argyrakakis, Les Doumbalis, Laurence Gugorossis, Nikolas Katsakis (INJ, Mohammad Matar, 50’), Denis Alilovic, John Lazaridis (Anthony Caratozzolo, 28’), Antonio La Verde, Yared Hailemelkot, Yanni Galanos, Nicholas Marinos,
Unused Subs:Matthew Tancevski, Jason Koutsodontis, Elliot Burridge.
N.T.C: Alastair Bray, Daniel Chaabani, Curran Ferns, David Cardamone, Robert Naumoski, Joel Baldwin, Matthew Thomas, John Beale, Peter Skapetis, David Stirton, Christian Georgopoulos. (Quinn McDonald, Zoran Surdoski)
Unused Subs: Erol Korkmaz, Luke Gavalas,
Last updated: Friday July 9, 2010 3:46PM
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