It was another entertaining weekend of football in the National Premier Leagues across Australia. KEEPUP brings you the best bits.
Another Toure making a name for himself
First there was Al Hassan Toure at Adelaide United. Then, sibling Mohamed Toure burst onto the scene at Coopers Stadium before his big move to France. Now the youngest brother of the lot is lighting up South Australia after his exploits over the weekend.
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Musa Toure, 17, signed a scholarship contract with Adelaide United on Wednesday, having made his Isuzu UTE A-League in Round 1 of the 2022-23 season.
To mark the milestone, the teenage sensation helped take down NPLM SA champions Adelaide City with a stunning solo goal on Sunday.
Toure rolled the shoulder and beat two defenders with ease before scoring from an acute angle to break the deadlock in United’s 2-0 win over the titleholders.
His acrobatic celebration was just as good as the Reds – who had Jay Barnett, Luke Duzel, Ethan Alagich and Kane Vidmar in the starting XI – moved top of the table on goal difference, ahead of Adelaide Comets, MetroStars and South Adelaide.
Is this former ‘Nix striker scoring his way back into the A-Leagues?
The leading goalscorer in NPLM VIC is George Ott, and by some margin after three rounds.
For those who don’t know, Ott previously played for Wellington Phoenix in the Isuzu UTE A-League.
The 21-year-old striker made three appearances for the Phoenix in 2021-22 but he has spent the past year playing in Victoria’s NPL.
After linking up with Melbourne Knights, Ott made the move to local rivals St Albans Saints ahead of the 2023 season and he has hit the ground running.
The New Zealander has scored five goals in three games, netting the winner in St Albans’ 1-0 win over Heidelberg United.
He is three goals clear atop the scorers standings in Victoria.
Elsewhere in NPLM VIC, South Melbourne are the only team with a perfect record following their 2-1 win over old foes Melbourne Knights on Monday.
Defending champions Oakleigh Cannons overcame Dandenong Thunder 2-1, while former Melbourne Victory midfielder Josh Hope scored in Green Gully’s 2-0 win at lowly Bentleigh Greens.
City youth product’s stunner headlines a Victorian cracker
Dandenong City and Preston Lions served up an enthralling five-goal contest in NPL2 VIC over the weekend.
Relegated from the top tier last season, City led 1-0 at half-time on Friday night before newly promoted Preston turned the match on its head at Frank Holohan Soccer Complex.
In a cracking matchup, Preston came out on top thanks to a four-goal second half, including a stunning strike from former Melbourne City youth player Marcus Dimanche.
Preston are second in the standings, three points behind leaders Pascoe Vale, who defeated previously unbeaten Western United 3-0 at City Vista Recreation Reserve, where Michael Ruhs, Dylan Pierias and Ben Collins were all in the starting XI.
Melbourne City were 6-3 winners over Eastern Lions, with highly rated Max Caputo on the scoresheet.
Ex-Roar youngster at the double… and there’s a unique celebration
Walter Marquez previously played for Brisbane Roar’s youth team. Now, he is starring for Moreton Bay United in NPLM QLD.
The 21-year-old, who scored eight goals for Moreton Bay last season, bagged a brace to inspire a 2-0 win over Rochedale Rovers.
Moreton Bay and Brisbane City are the only two teams with 100% records through two rounds.
Scott McDonald’s Gold Coast Knights kick-started their title defence with a 1-0 win away to Eastern Suburbs.
In NPLM NSW, Australia Cup runners-up Sydney United are top of the table on goal difference after their 2-0 win over last season’s finalists Manly United.
Defending champions Blacktown City routed Mt Druitt Town Rangers 4-1 behind a Jak O’Brien hat-trick, Sydney FC youth were 4-1 winners against Bulls FC Academy and Central Coast Mariners Academy celebrated their first victory of the season via a 1-0 triumph at NWS Spirit.
