Cannons take maximum points from Fawkner Blues

Victorian Premier League - Weekend Review

Oakleigh Cannons continued their excellent opening to the season with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Fawkner-Whittlesea last night at Epping Stadium.

Oakleigh controlled much of the match, however it took 59 minutes to break the deadlock when Bill Damianos drilled the ball low and hard through a crowded penalty area after the Blues failed to clear from a Cannons corner.

Esala Masi doubled Oakleigh's advantage in the 72nd minute. Masi had the easiest of tap-ins after he was left unmarked at the far post after the cross from Cannons fullback Sam Poutakidis.

The win leaves the Cannons with maximum points from there opening three games, while at the other end of the table the Blues remain without a point, despite their great pre-season form which saw them reach the final of the Crazy Johns Cup.

Oakleigh coach Sturt Munro was pleased with the persistence showed by his players, after they were denied on several occasions in the first half. "Obviously the second half we did well, we kept persevering and we kept trying to move the ball around, keep possession and we got our goals. A good result at the end of the day."

Fawkner-Whittlesea Club Secretary Serg Costanzo was in a defiant mood after the game despite the Blues slipping to their third consecutive defeat. "The result was obviously very disappointing. With injuries to several key players it's always going to be hard. We will be back bigger and stronger as the year goes on."

On Friday night, Kingston ended South Melbourne's perfect record, with an easy 3-0 victory at the Grange Reserve. Ex-Socceroo Joe Spitiri bagged a double and another from new recruit Joey Di Orio was enough to ensure big spending Kingston collected all three points.

Across town, Essendon entertained Sunshine, who came into the match on the back of a 4-1 thumping of Preston Lions. But the Royals were too strong for the Georgies and a goal with eight minutes remaining from Essendon defender Serdar Pir was enough to hand the Royals their first victory of the season.

Meanwhile in other matches Preston managed to secure their first point of the 2006 campaign with reigning Gold Medallist Anthony Magnacca equalising in the 58th minute for the Lions after Altona had gone into half time leading 2-1.

Frankston Pines continued current Vodafone Cup Champions Green Gully's miserable start to the season. A first minute strike from Andrew Oliveira was enough to ensure the long trip back to Frankston was an enjoyable one for the Pines.

Gully's opponent in last year final, Heidelberg United managed to secure there first win of this seasons campaign. The Bergers' were far too strong for Bulleen, crushing the hapless Zebras 4-1 thanks to a dominant display from midfield maestro Sabljak.

In the final match of round three, Melbourne Knights moved into second place behind Oakleigh with a 2-0 victory over newly promoted Richmond at Knights Stadium.

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!