Final Round Preview: Bentleigh Greens vs Port Melbourne

Bentleigh Greens

Season so far:

Following a stellar 2015 campaign that culminated in a maiden National Premier League Championship, the Greens have continued to go from strength to strength as they once again have thrown down the gauntlet to the chasing pack.

The reigning champions depth has been severely tested in recent times as injuries to a number of key players has threatened to derail their season.

Despite these hiccups, Bentleigh have shouldered on manfully and will be looking to add to the FFV Community Shield and the Dockerty Cup honours they’ve already earned in the coming weeks.

That trophy haul will extend to three this Sunday when the Greens add the Premiers Plate to its every growing trophy cabinet, and with the league leaders on track for back to back championships and still very much alive in the FFA Cup, we could be witnessing greatness right before our eyes.

What this game means:

With their nearest rivals South Melbourne docked three points, the Greens were officially crowned Premiers of the NPL for 2016, holding a now unassailable six point lead.

This Sunday’s match against Port Melbourne at Kingston Heath will represent a chance for the John Anastasiadis’ side to fine tune its preparations, as his side embark on another finals series.

Wednesday night’s victory over Green Gully in the Dockerty Cup final was a timely morale booster after a lacklustre defeat to Northcote City last Saturday, and they will look to carry that momentum into Sunday’s match.

Get The Full Perspective on the #DockertyCup Final – https://t.co/ygQir3xQUH@BentleighGreens 1 @GreenGullySC 0 AET

— Football Victoria (@footballvic) August 19, 2016

Who to watch out for:

Following a barren run in front of goal, Ryan Paczkowski’s found his groove, netting a dramatic extra time goal that proved to be decisive for Bentleigh in their maiden Dockerty Cup triumph.

The forward’s confidence will have taken a huge jolt in the arm after he was relegated to the bench in the Greens last league outing against Northcote.

Paczkowski will be eager to build on his heroics from Wednesday night with another strong display against the Sharks.

Bentleigh have had even spread of contributors right across the season that can bob up at any given moment which makes them such a dangerous opponent.

Stats:

Greens sit top of the league with 17 wins, 5 draws and 3 defeats. Bentleigh’s next match in the FFA Cup is a round of 16 clash with Tasmanian outfit Davenport.

Port Melbourne 

After an eighth placed finish last term that ended with 33 points, Port Melbourne currently sit in tenth position with 26 points this time around.

It’s been an largely disappointing year for the Eric Vassilliadis’ side, with the highlights being an win away at Green Gully and last weekend’s upset victory over Hume City – a result that ensured their National Premier League status for next season.

Port have proven to be well organised defensively keeping three clean sheets on the trot, but in attack its been a totally different story.

Taking away their seven goal haul against Richmond, Port have laboured in the final third, typified by their paltry tally of just two goals in their last ten matches.

What this game means:

The pressure valve around the club has been released and they can now look to Sunday’s match knowing their NPL status’ is firmly in tact.

Last Friday’s shock win over Hume snapped a rut that saw Port go nine games without a win, and they hope end what has been an tough season on a positive note with a competitive showing against the Greens.

• GOAL • The winner scored by Shaun Kelly against @FCHumeCity on Friday night #PMvHC #PS4NPLVIC pic.twitter.com/LhpGF2rtqw

— Port Melbourne SC (@PMSCSharks) August 15, 2016

Who to watch out for:

Despite an injury interrupted campaign, David Stirton is still Ports main source for goals – netting seven in 17 matches.

Stirton has almost scored a quarter of the Sharks goals and he will represent the biggest threat in attack.

Another to watch out for is right back Tyler James, who has impressed since making the switch from Green Gully mid-season.

As it stands:

Port Melbourne currently occupy 10th place with seven wins, five draws, and 13 defeats for the season.