By Agron Dauti

Avondale Heights SC has come away from Frank Holohan Soccer Complex with an important 2-0 win over Dandenong City on Saturday afternoon.

The victory puts Anthony Barbieri’s men back on the winners list after last week’s 3-0 loss to North Geelong and gives the NPL1 leaders their 16th victory of the season. 

The match begun in stunning fashion, with Avondale Heights going up 1-0 just seconds after kick-off.

Bosin Georgevski’s powerful shot off the loose ball was blocked but, rose and Dandenong City ‘keeper Marko Stevanja scaled back with the ball but was unable to get fingertips to it and was only able to watch as the visitors took the early advantage.

Avondale Heights looked more dominant and polished early, playing well and looking more composed as they cut out Dandenong City passes with ease and attacked with confidence. 

The hosts’ hard work almost paid off in the 23rd minute as Shaun Filipovic got a clean header to a Damian Miskilin cross, but his effort went wide despite looking on target.

Dandenong City were unable to damage Avondale going forward but were able to defend well with skipper John Carroll dominating aerial contests and working hard to anchor the defence with Steven Topalovic.

Strong defending proved crucial for the hosts to prevent the deficit from increasing when an Andrew Le Page free-kick forced Stevanja to pull off a Superman-like double-fisted diving save to clear the ball in the 44th minute. 

Stevanja would prove invaluable again just moments later when he put his body on the line with a diving save to prevent Le Page from making it 2-0 just before half-time.  

The first-placed Avondale side showcased its might in the second half as it cut out a number of Dandenong passes – forcing turnovers and ensuring the visitors would maintain pressure on their opponents.

Dandenong’s best chance of the half came on the hour when Miskulin beat his man in the box and cut it back for Dario Matkovic who launched a powerful shot.

But his shot was blocked and appeals for a handball were denied by the referee, the rebound fell to Alex Rojas whose curling shot went wide of goal.

The hosts threatened Avondale once more when Simon Storey rose well to get a clean header to a Dario Matkovic corner-kick but his effort went inches over the crossbar – resulting in a collective groan from the Dandy City faithful.

The visitors added the icing on the cake when Arturo Ymeri raced into the box, forcing Stevanja to run out while threading the ball to Fabian Gugliandolo who finished coolly into an open net – making it 2-0 and giving Avondale Heights all three points. 

Avondale Heights coach Anthony Barbieri was pleased to be back on the winners list after his side’s mixed fortunes this month.

“Always pleasing to get a result after last week’s unfortunate loss so it’s good to bounce back and get the points,” Barbieri said.

Dandy City coach Ivan Duzel was disappointed with the final result but was pleased with the performances of his charges as they look to finish the season strongly.

“It’s a crazy game – I thought first half was great, the players were okay, everything was in order, we were set up and organised fine and I thought the goal would come for sure,” Duzel said.

“These two games were very disappointing after seven or eight games that we played good – we have to get something from these last four games,” Duzel added.

MATCH DETAILS 

Dandenong City 0 defeated by Avondale Heights 2 (Georgevski 1’, Gugliandolo 79’) at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex [HT: 0-1]

Dandenong City STARTING XI: 1. Marko Stevanja, 6. John Carroll, 9. Damian Miskulin, 19. Nicholas Glavan, 12. Shaun Filipovic, 4. Steven Topalovic, 8. Dario Matkovic, 5. Alex Rojas (23. Goran Jozeljic 72’), 2. Karim El Hilali (3. Simon Storey 57’), 10. Sean Seavill, 11. Joseph Sieh (17. Danijel Buhic 81’)

Unused subs: 31. Kirby Ziada

Yellow cards: Storey 75’, Topalovic 88’

Red cards: None. 

Avondale Heights STARTING XI: 1. Anthony Saric, 6. Anthony Strano, 9. Anthony Falcone, 15. Zoran Pajic, 31. Michele Crazia, 24. Resit Culculoglu, 33. Arturo Ymeri, 14. Danijel Slovacek (5. Andrew Sacchetta 88’), 7. Andrew Le Page (19. Jason Principato 77’) 8. Bosin Georgevski, 10. Julien Cannizzaro (3. Fabian Gugliandolo)

Unused subs: 20. John Scollo, 17. Christopher Galea

Yellow cards: Gugliandolo 71’

Red cards: None.