By Shaun Moran (@moranshaun)

Dandenong Thunder has bounced back from its devastating defeat to Oakleigh Cannons last week to inflict Northcote’s second home loss in as many weeks at John Cain Memorial Reserve on Saturday.

Matthew Millar opened the scoring for Dean Hennessey’s side in style with a thunderous drive from outside the 18-yard area that skidded off the ground and flew beyond Chris Theodoridis’ outstretched right hand.

Thunder put further daylight between it and its hosts at the beginning of the second period in what was a damning blow for last year’s Victorian Premier League champion, which was without suspended coach Goran Lozanovski.

Marcus Schroen’s initial shot was parried away by Theodoridis before Alan Mulcahy’s intelligent ball across to the unmarked Kieran Dover allowed the diminutive forward to smash home the second goal.

Dandenong notched up its third and threatened to run riot with just over a quarter of an hour to go largely thanks to Kristopher Kioussis’ lightning pace that took him past his defender and into the area. His low ball across the box found Schroen, who tapped the ball into the net from point-blank range.

Substitute James Kalifatidis rose high to head home from a Marino Gasparis corner and offer a glimmer of hope in the remaining minutes, but ultimately it would be prove to be nothing more than a consolation goal for Northcote City.

Dandenong threatened to get off to a dazzling start when Millar got in behind the defence and careered in on goal before skewing his shot wide just three minutes in.

Northcote failed to settle in the early exchanges and looked rather vulnerable at times on a damp pitch.

Schroen’s shot from long range trickled along the ground and almost shaved the post in what was a nervy period for Northcote.

Schroen’s imposing figure allowed him to make space between his defender on two occasions. His unwillingness to pull the trigger prohibited him from inflicting more pain onto a struggling Northcote outfit.

The home side began to work itself into the match in the second stanza and fashioned a number of half chances that Thunder managed to deal with more often than not.

Dean Hennessey’s men ultimately did the damage with their second-half goals and held on for an important victory.

Thunder’s coach described his satisfaction with the character shown by his charges.

“That’s the best performance we’ve played this year in my opinion,” Hennessey said.

“The actual ability to come back from a 6-0 defeat [against Oakleigh in Round 7] pleased me the most as not many teams bounce back as quickly as that, especially when they’re young.

“But we all stood together and showed solidarity because it’s a long season.”

Northcote captain Adrian Chiappetta was left to reflect on another devastating loss.

“There are ups and downs all season long so I’m sure that we’ll bounce back,” Chiappetta said.

“Credit must go to Dandenong who pressed high and all over the pitch for 90 minutes.”

The task does not get easier any easier for Northcote as it faces a daunting trip away to Oakleigh in Round 9, while Dandenong will return home to host Werribee City.

Northcote coach Goran Lozanovski will return from his suspension next week.

MATCH DETAILS

Northcote City 1 (Kalifatidis 78’) lost to Dandenong Thunder 3 (Millar 32’, Dover 51’, Schroen 73’) at John Cain Memorial Reserve [HT: 0-1]

Northcote City: 22. Chris THEODORIDIS, 4. Kristian KONSTANTINIDIS, 2. Adrian CHIAPPETTA, 16. Greg LOMBARDO, 3. Tremayne SADLER, 10. Marino GASPARIS, 5. Philip PETRESKI (23. Jonathon BOUNAS 45’), 14. Michael CATALANO (15. Wade DEKKER 57’), 21. Ersin KAYA (8. James KALIFATIDIS 74’), 11. Liam WOODING, 9. Trent RIXON.

Unused subs: 1. Luke GAVALAS, 7. Jonathon MUNOZ.

Yellow cards: Chiappetta (62’)

Red cards: Nil

Dandenong Thunder: 1. Frazer SIDDALL, 12. Brendan ELMAZOVSKI, 5. Sakhi Zada FAISAL, 4. Ramazan TAVSANCIOGLU, 11. Kristopher KIOUSSIS, 16. Alan KEARNEY, 6. Alan MULCAHY, 8. Matthew MILLAR, 7. Kieran DOVER (23. Feston AZIZI 87’), 3. Ilir PALI (2. Jarryd BARNES 69’), 17. Marcus SCHROEN (18. Brendan CRAIG 89’).

Unused subs: 21. Zaim ZENELI, 15. Ryan BURNS.

Yellow cards: Millar (63’)

Red cards:  Nil

Image credit: Mark Avellino