Oakleigh Hit Three As Manningham's Debut Ends In Disaster

It was Manningham's first ever NPL1 Men's game, but the Cinderella script didn't get played out, as the visitors lost 3-0.

Written by Lachlan Sherriff

After a thrilling end to the 2023 VPL1 season saw Manningham United promoted to NPL Victoria for the first time in their history, the Blues first game was a hostile away clash against a very good Oakleigh Cannons team.

Nonetheless, Manningham played with an intention to win, and were constantly on the attack. Manningham striker Robert Harding had the first chance of the game, alas saved comfortably by Nick Feely.

Perhaps it was naive of Manningham to play that far forward, as it only took eight minutes for Oakleigh to take the lead, with wonderful team play finished off by Alex Salmon, before Joe Guest doubled the lead with a header in the 35th minute.

From there on, Manningham looked frazzled, and their top flight inexperience showed as they failed to score all game, while Stefan Valentini scored late in the second half for Oakleigh as the home side won 3-0.

Still, despite walking away with a defeat, Manningham impressed me and many other doubters. Their bravery going forward despite being the clear weaker was something to admire, and they'll beat a lot of teams playing like that.

For Oakleigh, this was business as usual. The Cannons showed their class all game, and will be looking to go all the way this year.

Next week, Oakleigh will play an away match against Heidelberg United on Friday, while Manningham will play their first ever NPL home game against Dandenong Thunder next Saturday.