With 10 goals in their last three matches, the Gully boys have found their scoring touch. This week, however, will be the acid test: a match-up with the NPL Victoria’s pacesetters.
Heidelberg United boast the league’s sturdiest backline – and by quite a margin. With just 19 goals conceded in 21 league fixtures, and seven clean sheets from their last nine in all competitions, no other side in the division comes close. The next strongest defence is Avondale, with 24 goals conceded – five of which were scored by Gully in Round 13.
Heidelberg comfortably dispatched VPL2 side Nunawading City 5-0 in the Dockerty Cup semi finals on Saturday, while Green Gully had a week’s rest over catch-up round.
Gully’s last outing was a memorable 4-1 thumping of Melbourne Victory in Keilor Downs, as Dor Jok got off the mark for his new club with a goal and an assist. Josh Hope continued his fine scoring form with his fourth goal in the space of three games, Scott Lochhead smashed home his second of the year, and top scorer Aamir Adballah broke a seven-game scoring drought with a trademark curler off his left boot.
This Friday presents an interesting conundrum in the goalkeeping department for head coach David Chick. Brandon Cuminao returns from suspension after his unfortunate red card on debut, while fellow new signing Jerrad Tyson looked composed and confident on his return to Gully. 35-year-old Tyson had come out of retirement to answer the call, making his 50th NPL appearance for the Cavaliers with a typical lack of fuss and fanfare.
Heidelberg have gone 21 games unbeaten in all competitions, the longest streak of any team in the NPL era (2014–). They haven’t lost since a 3-2 defeat to Dandenong Thunder in early March, and haven’t been held scoreless in any fixture for 34 straight games, dating back to Round 21 last year against St Albans.
Bergers striker Bul Juach leads the Golden Boot race with 17 this season, including six goals in his last five league appearances. Gully will also be wary of the attacking threat posed by Jamal Ali, who has an astonishing seven goals this season from right back – including the opener in their last meeting.
Gully will surely be using the 4-1 defeat at Olympic Village as motivational fuel ahead of Friday’s massive game. Clearly, this side has turned over a new leaf since those early season struggles, and with the finals race so delicately poised, Ajax could climb as high as fifth if results fall their way.
Against the toughest opposition NPL Victoria has to offer, the Gully boys will need your support on Friday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30pm, with the Gully Bistro open for your pre-match meal, while the U23s play on Saturday at 2pm. Get down to Green Gully Reserve and cheer on the Green and White!
