Image courtesy: Daniel Flis
By Cameron Briscoe
A young and injury depleted Heidelberg United team has held off a desperate Bentleigh Greens' outfit 1-0, in round 19 of the Alanic Victorian Premier League.
Missing seven of its usual starting players through injury or suspension, Heidelberg entered the game hoping to just remain competitive. They came through victorious, with determination, desperation, and a never-say-die attitude proving the difference between the two sides.
The clash was a physical one from the first whistle, with both teams eager to pressure the ball carrier and assert dominance early.
However, it was the youthful Heidelberg who seemed more switched on, and within the first minute they had their first chance to go one up on the scoreboard.
With their first thrust forward, the home side troubled Bentleigh’s defensive structure, and were it not for a lucky save by the closest goal post, Saso Alexovski would have given his side the perfect start and earned the scoreboard pressure they needed.
Despite the early scare, the more experienced Bentleigh Greens team soon began to take over; by controlling play through the midfield they began to dominate the contest.
As Bentleigh lifted their pace, Jack Webster and Adam Fadljevic combined well on the left side, linking together to create some dangerous passages of play for the visitors.
Although the Greens dominated play, they never seemed likely to score early on. Heidelberg’s defence was too strong, and they were determined to limit Bentleigh’s opportunities at long shots from beyond the box.
Contrastingly, whilst Heidelberg struggled to maintain possession, when they did move forward, they did so with conviction and troubled the visitor’s defence on numerous occasions.
It wasn’t long before the momentum Bentleigh had built began to fade, and a brain snap from Bentleigh defenders provided Saso Alexovski with a second chance as he intercepted a poor pass, leaving only goal keeper Peter Gavalas between himself and the goal.
There was little Gavalas could do, and through his desperation, he was unlucky to give away a penalty, as Alexovski made no mistake, slotting the ball home in the 29th minute.
The goal was just what the inexperienced Heidelberg needed, and the scoreboard pressure they had created gave them the confidence to maintain their efforts to half time.
As the second half began, we saw a revitalized Bentleigh, eager to make up for their lacklustre first period.
The visitors came out boldly, and pressed hard to claim the elusive goal, with Alex Rojas and Damir Lokvancic both having shots that barely went over the crossbar.
Whilst the Greens were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, Peter Gavalas was doing everything he could to keep his side in the match, saving virtually everything that came his way, from powerful shots, to one-on-ones with Heidelberg strikers.
As the game continued however, Bentleigh became more desperate sensing the game was slipping away from them, and as we entered the 72nd minute, the game was turned on its head as defender Luke Fitzpatrick was shown a straight red card for a nasty tackle.
This was the catalyst for a frantic final 20 minutes as the visitors clicked into overdrive in a final attempt to secure an equaliser.
Both teams were desperate as United found themselves under siege from the visitors.
The final minutes were played out in a frantic fashion, and as the final whistle blew, Heidelberg’s fans cheered their young side to glory as they held on for the 1-0 victory.
Heidelberg fans, players and coaches were ecstatic, and the hard fought, desperate and most of all unexpected win was crucial, as they now sit fifth on the ladder, pending a result from the Dandenong Thunder versus Northcote City match.
Heidelberg now look to take on Northcote in what could prove pivotal in deciding the final five that will compete in the 2010 finals series.
Contrastingly Bentleigh walk away from the match disappointed and dejected and they must now fight hard next week against Hume City to avoid relegation in the final rounds.
Last updated: Tuesday July 27, 2010 4:40PM
Back