NPL Victoria mens: Max Mikkola: Natural born leader

Published 1 month ago• 5 minute read

Max Mikkola is a cut above the rest in this league. A true class act, he doesn’t make excuses, doesn’t dwell on the negatives, and when the pressure is on, he steps up to the plate and delivers for his team.

And that’s exactly what Mikkola did on Friday night. He took Hellas by the scruff of the neck and guided them to a flawless league debut. An away win, no less, against the sternest of tests at the intimidating Port Melbourne fortress.

The match wasn’t a spectacle for the purists, but it had all the hallmarks of a classic NPL1 encounter. Grit, determination, and a relentless tempo that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.

Now, Esteban Quintas’ men will shift their focus to the upcoming clash against Melbourne Knights. The Knights, as reported in Neos Kosmos on Saturday, kicked off their campaign with a convincing 3-2 home win over Heidelberg United.

Oakleigh Cannons, the reigning champions, started the season with a home defeat against the stylish Avondale. The Cannons were unable to find their rhythm and ultimately came up short against the determined Italo-Australians.

The hosts got off to a shaky start.

Avondale drew first blood in the 14th minute through Luca Tevere, setting the stage for a potential upset.

The Oakleigh Cannons needed the entire first half to find their rhythm. In the 48th minute, Asad Kasumovic received the ball on the edge of the six-yard box and with a calm finish, brought the game level.

The match continued with neither side willing to take risks. Just as it looked like the game was heading for a draw, Kamara scored with a header in the third minute of stoppage time, snatching a dramatic victory from the jaws of defeat for Chris Taylor’s men.

The Cannons now turn their attention to their next challenge: an away trip against the always formidable and dangerous Green Gully next week.

Oakleigh Cannons, the reigning champions, started the season with a home defeat against the stylish Avondale.

Three out of the four Greek-Australian clubs in the VPL1 kicked off their campaigns with resounding victories this weekend.

Brunswick City, playing at home, welcomed Eastern Lions with one goal in mind: a perfect start to the season. And that’s exactly what they achieved. They comfortably outclassed their opponents, securing a 2-0 victory.

The performance of Bentleigh Greens was particularly impressive. George Katsakis’ men didn’t take any risks, dominated possession from the first whistle, played some beautiful football, and scored three fantastic goals. This commanding performance sets the tone for a promising season ahead.

The action shifted to Northcote, where the historic Iraklis, after a hard-fought battle, overcame North Sunshine Eagles with a 3-2 victory. It was a thrilling encounter that kept the fans of both teams on the edge of their seats.

Box Hill United failed to get their season off to a winning start. Despite a valiant effort, Pythagoras struggled to find their rhythm and ultimately succumbed to a 0-2 home defeat against the high-flying Eltham Redbacks.

Next week, United will travel away to face North Geelong Warriors.

Melbourne Knights – Heidelberg United 3 – 2 ( 28′ C. Bramwell, 49′ C. Bramwell, 78′ J. Karantz – 53′ A. Lesiotis, 66′ M. Bisetto)

Port Melbourne – South Melbourne 0 – 1 (14′ M. Mikkola)

Oakleigh Cannons – Avondale FC 1 – 2 (47′ A. Kasumovic – 14′ L. Tevere, 90+3′ K. Kamara)

Preston Lions – Hume City 2 – 1 (54′ L. Brooks, 64′ J. Romero – 90+3′ M. Domfeh)

Dandenong Thunder – Green Gully 2 – 1 (6′ A. Sulemani, 69′ H. Jalloh – 42′ K. Hallam)

Dandenong City – St Albans Saints 3 – 3 (9′ W. Bower, 49′ W. Bower, 66′ K. Athiu [p] – 6′ J. Monek, 48′ M. Platt, 55′ J. Monek)

Melbourne Victory Reserves – Altona Magic ( This match waw played on Monday night)

1.Melb Knights 1 3

2. Dand Thunder 1 3

3. Preston Lions 1 3

4. Avondale 1 3