By Damir Kulas (@DamirKulas)

Heidelberg United has stretched its undefeated streak to four matches with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Port Melbourne at JL Murphy Reserve on Wednesday Night.

An early goal from Reuben Way and a stoppage time sealer from substitute Kenny Athiu did the job as the Bergers jumped to the top of the NPL ladder, leapfrogging Melbourne Knights in the process.

The visitors got off to the perfect start less than two minutes into the contest when Kaine Sheppard found Way on the edge of the box, before Way perfectly placed his angled shot into the corner of the net, past Sharks keeper Stjepan Gal.

That goal was his first for the club, after starring for Olympic FC in the Queensland NPL last season.

Port Melbourne responded well to that set back with Alan Kearney and Kamal Ibrahim both trying their luck from distance, but both narrowly missing the target.

Trent Rixon was next to try his luck after a fantastic run into the box by Ryan Oppermann saw him set up the former Northcote City and South Melbourne striker, whose goal bound effort was deflected over the bar by Luke Byles.

Nick Tzioulis did his best to open the scoring but his shot was comfortably saved by Griffin McMaster in Heidelberg's goal.

Up the other end, Dan Heffernan’s glancing header flashed wide of goal as United struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities.

Tzioulis, Ibrahim and Oppermann all had half-chances before the break, with the visitors heading into the sheds the happier of the two sides thanks to Way’s early opener.

The second half saw Port continue to misfire in front of goals as a golden opportunity went begging in the 53^rd minute.

Former North Queensland Fury midfielder Chris Grossman went on a slalom run into the box that ended with a shot that McMaster spilled into the path of Julius Davies, but the former Victory forward could not direct his shot on target.

The visitors brought on Kenny Athiu to give them more muscle up front, and he almost made an immediate impact.

Sheppard once again turned provider as he teed the tall forward up in the box, only for Athiu to hit the ball straight at an untroubled Gal.

Port substitute Brent Fisher himself went close when he elegantly controlled the ball in the box, but could not direct his shot on target as the veteran’s effort went just wide.

The dangerous Oppermann scuffed another chance to equalise as the hosts paid the ultimate price for their inaccuracy in stoppage time.

Kenny Athiu latched onto a through ball, out-muscling Shane Kelly and Conor Reddan in the process before slotting the ball past a hapless Gal.

It was the former Box Hill United striker’s second goal of the season as the Bergers latched onto top place on the NPL ladder with a well-deserved 2-0 victory the misfiring Sharks.

 

Port Melbourne Sharks 0 defeated by Heidelberg United 2 (Way 2, Athiu 90+1) at JL Murphy Reserve

PMS: 1. Stjepan Gal (GK), 5. Nick Tzoulis (3. James Riccobene 76’), 6. Chris Grossman, 9. Trent Rixon (8. Brent Fisher 67’), 10. Andrew Milicevic, 14. Kamal Ibrahim, 16. Alan Kearney, 19. Shaun Kelly, 20. Julius Davies (11. Nicholas Krousoratis 78’), 22. Ryan Oppermann, 23. Conor Reddan

Unused subs: 2. Andrew Viola, 25. Michael Stark (GK)

Yellow Card(s): Tzioulis 63, Reddan 76, Kelly 80, Krousoratis 87

Red Card(s): None

 

HU: 23. Griffin McMaster (GK), 2. Jamie Cumming, 5. Daniel Vasilevski (20. Nejc Kolman 82’), 7. Reuben Way (8. Jonathan Voulgaris 77’), 9. Kosta Kanarakis, 10. Jack Petrie, 11. Jakob Williams, 13. Luke Byles, 14. Dan Heffernan (12. Kenny Athiu 67’), 17. Steven Pace, 22. Kaine Sheppard

Unused subs: 1. Chris Maynard (GK), 21. Andreas Govas

Yellow Card(s): Vasilevski 20, Kanarakis 50

Red Card(s): None