By AHMED YUSSUF (@ahmedyussuf10)

Photo MARK AVELLINO

Hume City has nabbed all three points in a 1-0 win against Oakleigh Cannons on a cold winter night at ABD Stadium.

Hume captain Nick Hegarty sealed the points in the 62nd minute with a strong finish after a lovely lofted pass from midfielder Marcus Schroen.

The hosts began the game the brighter of the two, taking opportunities in their stride.

Schroen sparked the move from a deep run but had his cross out for a corner.

Hegarty’s short corner found Jai Ingham free just inside the area but goalkeeper John Honos saved the shot comfortably.

Honos was called on once more; this time tasked to save Theo Markelis’ header from just a few yards out. The Oakleigh custodian was equal to the challenge.

The visitors started to find their feet with their first attack on goal.

Lambros Honos dribbled from deep leaving Hume defenders in his wake. But his ball to Dusan Bosnjak was cleared after the striker dwelled on the ball for a moment too long.

Shortly after, Oldfield made a stunning save to deny Sadler, after a scramble in the box that almost saw the ball trickle over if not for Petar Franjic’s last ditch defending off the goal line.

Not long after Oldfield was called upon again. Dean Piemonte was played in on goal but Hume’s number one came out of the blocks to sweep up the danger.

Hume thought they found a breakthrough from wide-man Markelis but the goal was disallowed for offside.

But the home side didn’t need to wait long for their breakthrough goal.

Schroen was getting some joy playing in a new deeper midfield role and it was made clearer with an incisive ball to find captain Hegarty through on goal.

Hume’s talismanic captain didn't disappoint, finishing with ease to put his side into the lead.

Looking for a second Hume continued their attacking spree on the Oakleigh rearguard.

Shaun Timmins played in a cross into the area finding Ingham, but the former Roar man couldn’t find his balance shooting over the bar.

Hume ran out 1-0 winners in a match that may prove crucial both side's finals ambitions.

 

MATCH DETAILS:

Hume City 1 (Hegarty 62’) defeated 0 Oakleigh Cannons at ABD Stadium, Broadmeadows Valley Park.

Hume City: 1. Chris OLDFIELD, 3. Shaun TIMMINS, 4. Isyan ERDOGAN, 5. Petar FRANJIC, 7. Jai INGHAM (11. Ivan PAVLAK 83’), 8. Theo MARKELIS, 17 Marcus SCHOREN (16. Matt HENNESSEY 90+3’), 13. Shane REXHEPI, 39. Nick HEGARTY, 2. Daniel CHAABANI, 12. Daniel CLARK (15. Liam NEWMAN 65’)

Unused Substitutes: 20. Tom BANFIELD, 19. Sam BENINATO

Yellow Card(s): 17. Marcus SCHROEN 8’, 5. Petar FRANJIC 79’

Red Card(s): 

 

Oakleigh Cannons: 76. John HONOS (GK), 3. John BLACK, 16. Rowan MCNAMEE (11. Kofi DANNING 60’), 6. Steve PANTELIDIS, 8. Dusan BOSNJAK, 26. Lambros HONOS, 10. Dean PIEMONTE, 21. Jakob WILLIAMS, 12. Tremayne SADLER, 18. Adam LE CORNU, 15. Jake MCLEAN (25. Delarno PHAROE 73’)

Unused Substitutes: 5. Aron WILFORD, 36. Lajos HUN (GK), 4. Stephen FRANTZEKAKIS

Yellow Card(s): 6. Steve PANTELIDIS 56’

Red Card(s): Nil