Northcote wins thrilling opener at CB Smith
By Matt McNamara
Northcote City has secured its first points of the 2015 NPL Victoria season, while leaving Pascoe Vale still searching for its, after a thrilling 3-2 victory on Friday evening at the opening of CB Smith Reserve.
Northcote did things the hard way, twice going behind early on before James Kalafatidis got the winner in the 39th minute.
A packed crowd ensured a thrilling atmosphere, and they were rewarded early when referee Chris Pope adjudged Northcote keeper Chris Theodoridis to have fouled the oncoming Jake Nakic. Michael Ferrante stepped up and slotted the resulting penalty as the hosts were ahead after only three minutes.
Moments later and the teams were level again, as some great work by Jonathan Bounas saw Marinos Gasparis with the easiest of strikes to restore parity.
But the game was only just getting going, as Pascoe Vale once again found the lead after only 14 minutes, when Nakic was afforded to much room and neatly put the ball past Theodoridis.
Gasparis was once again involved for the visitors, this time his effort was deflected into the net with some unintentional help from Pascoe Vale skipper Joseph Youseff to once again bring the sides level.
With half-time approaching, Kalafatidis gave Northcote the lead for the first time, as he was first to react after Bounas’ shot was blocked in the area.
The second half was a rather tame affair when compared to the first, with neither team having the level of opportunities that presented in the first.
The only real chance of the second period fell to Davey Van’t Schip whose volley agonisingly sailed just over the bar.
Northcote City defender Jordan Wilkes was pleased with the resilience his side had shown.
“Tonight we really worked as a unit to be honest. Everybody worked hard and to be able to come back twice from going a goal down really shows the character,” Wilkes said.
“For us, this really kicks our season off and now and we need to continue to build from this tonight.”
Pascoe Vale hosts Oakleigh Cannons in its next outing whilst Northcote City takes on Port Melbourne.
MATCH DETAILS
Pascoe Vale 2 (Ferrante 3', Nakic 14') defeated by Northcote City 3 (Gasparis 8', Yousseff [OG] 20', Kalafatidis 41') at CB Smith Reserve, Fawkner.
Pascoe Vale: 1. Stefaan Sardelic, 2. Adrian Talarico (7. Luca Santilli 75’), 3. Nathan Megic (18. Tom Black 70’), 6. Carl Recchia, 8. Joseph Youseff, 9. Jake Nakic, 10. Davey Van’t Schip, 15. Mark Pistaninzi (11. Connor Kass 57’), 16. Tomislav Milardovic, 21. Michael Ferrante, 23. Jake Halliday
Unused Subs: 35. Alexander Pavlidis, 4. Adam Nakic
Northcote City: 22. Chris Theodoridis, 20. Nicholas Kokolakis, 11. Evan Kounavelis, 10. Marino Gasparis, 5. Gregory Lombardo, 23. Jonathan Bounas (19. Thomas Demelis 84’), 3. Mitchell Bissinger, 17. Nicholas Bavcar, 6. Aaron Ward (9. William Webb 58’), 12. Jordan Wilkes, 8. James Kalafatidis (21. Aron Handakas 55’)
Unused Subs: 1. Mason Interlandi, 4. Jacob Eliopoulos
Yellow Cards: Kokolakis 6’, Bissinger 59’, Bavcar 76’, Demelis 91’
PHOTO: Graeme Furlong
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