George Cross did everything they could. Heidelberg held on as Fornaroli took the crown

Heidelberg United will get the chance to defend their NPL VIC crown after sealing a top-six spot on the last weekend of the regular season.

The reigning champions needed only a point against relegated Bentleigh Greens and made sure of all three, with quick-fire goals from Ciaran Bramwell and Marcus Humbert securing a 2-0 victory.

It left the Bergers two points clear of Caroline Springs George Cross, whose impressive return to Victoria’s top flight ended agonisingly short of finals football.

George Cross defeated fourth-placed South Melbourne 1-0, but Heidelberg’s victory meant there would be no fairytale finish to their first season back at this level in 15 years.

While one race went to the final afternoon, the Golden Boot belonged emphatically to Bruno Fornaroli.

The 38-year-old former Socceroo finished a remarkable campaign with 21 goals, seven clear of his nearest challenger. Fornaroli did not add to his tally as Avondale defeated Hume City 2-0, although Blake Carpenter provided the highlight with an outrageous strike from long range.

Premiers Oakleigh Cannons were beaten 3-2 by Dandenong City, while Mickel Platt struck twice as St Albans Dinamo demolished relegated Dandenong Thunder 6-0. Preston Lions and Altona Magic shared the points in a 1-1 Macedonian derby draw, while relegated Green Gully finished with a 2-1 victory over Melbourne City.

Now the real business begins.

Avondale host Preston Lions in an elimination final carrying an intriguing subplot, with Preston coach Zoran Markovski coming up against his former club.

The other is a blockbuster: South Melbourne against Heidelberg United in a traditional derby with the reigning champions’ title defence on the line.

Premiers Oakleigh and second-placed Hume City have earned the opening week off.