That’s the general picture for the three Greek-Australian teams competing in the newly established Australian Championship following the completion of Round 4.
On Saturday, at Jubilee Stadium in the suburb of Kogarah, Hellas Melbourne was the big winner in the all-Greek clash, defeating Sydney Olympic 2–1. The home side dominated the first half, while the visitors had the upper hand in the second.
Sydney’s “blues” went ahead in the 31st minute through Ali Auglah and held their lead until the 83rd, when Jordan Lampard equalized for the Melburnians. The visitors made it clear they weren’t content with a draw, and in the 93rd minute Bilal Habib scored the winner to make it 2–1.
With that result, Hellas claimed its fourth win in as many matches and leads Group A with twelve points. In fact, it is the only one of the sixteen teams in the competition to have achieved the maximum number of points so far and undoubtedly stands out as the leading contender for the trophy.
NOV 01: Match action in the Australian Championship between Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne at Jubilee Stadium (Photos: Damian Briggs/Football Australia) Source: Supplied / Football Australia- Damian Briggs
In the group’s other game, yesterday, Moreton City thrashed Broadmeadow 5–1. That result lifted Moreton into second place with six points, leaving Sydney Olympic third on three points — the same as Broadmeadow. Hence the earlier conclusion that Sydney Olympic, if it wins its two remaining matches to reach nine points, will most likely advance as the group’s runner-up. Should some help arrive from Hellas Melbourne — meaning the “sister club” wins, as expected, in the last two rounds — that would further boost Olympic’s chances. All this, of course, assuming Sydney Olympic does not stumble.
In the upcoming fifth round, Sydney Olympic will host Moreton City at Jubilee Stadium next Saturday at 1:00 p.m. On the same day, a little later (3.15p.m.), Hellas Melbourne will play Broadmeadow at Lakeside Stadium.
NOV 01: Match action in the Australian Championship between Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne at Jubilee Stadium (Photos: Damian Briggs/Football Australia) Source: Supplied / Football Australia- Damian Briggs
All even: Marconi- Alexandros 1-1
Round 4 began on Friday night at Marconi Stadium in Western Sydney, where there was again strong Greek-Australian interest, as Marconi, coached by Greek-Australian Panagiotis (Peter) Tsekenis, hosted “Alexandros,” led by Yiannis Anastasiadis. Heavy rainfall had preceded the match, delaying kick-off by about an hour.
On the pitch, the two teams were fairly even, each creating chances and capable of taking the win. In the end, they settled for a 1–1 draw. The hosts took the lead in the 65th minute through Harry Van Der Saag, but the “yellow-blacks” quickly responded, equalising in the 71st with a goal from Marcus Humbert — who is of Greek descent on his mother’s side.
The two coaches: John Anastasiadis (Heidelberg Utd), Peter Tsekenis (Marconi). Source: Supplied / Football Australia- Damian Briggs
In the standings of that group (Group B), Alexandros remains first with ten points, Marconi is second with seven, Wollongong — who yesterday defeated South Hobart 3–2 — is third with six, and the Hobart side is last without a point.
Next Sunday, Alexandros will host Wollongong, while Marconi travels to Hobart.
Round 4 Results – Australian Championship
Bayswater – Sydney Utd 3–2
NWS Spirit – Preston Lions 1–3
Moreton City Excelsior – Broadmeadow 5–1
Wests APIA – NE Metrostars 1–1
Wollongong Wolves – South Hobart 3–2
Sydney Olympic – South Melbourne 1–2
Canberra Croatia – Avondale FC 1–4
Marconi Stallions – Heidelberg Utd 1–1
Round 5 Fixtures
Friday 07.11 – 7:35 p.m.
Sydney Utd – Wests APIA
Saturday 08.11 – 1:00 p.m.
Sydney Olympic – Moreton City Excelsior (SBS)
Saturday 08.11 – 3:15 p.m.
South Melbourne – Broadmeadow (SBS)
Sunday 09.11 – 1:00 p.m.
Heidelberg Utd – Wollongong Wolves (SBS On Demand)
Preston Lions – Canberra Croatia
South Hobart – Marconi Stallions
Sunday 09.11 – 4:30 p.m.
Avondale FC – NWS Spirit
NE Metrostars – Bayswater
It should be noted that all Australian Championship matches are broadcast by SBS — both on the main SBS channel and on SBS On Demand.
