The Cannons have had to wait a year since being beaten 1-0 by the Thunder in the season opener in 2009.

But what a way to balance the books.

The John Anastasiadis-coached league leaders showed there is a world of difference in the way they are playing now to how they performed then.

Strikers Jerry Karpeh, Michael Curcija and Ricky Diaco each collected a goal to send the Cannons' fans home happy.

Anastasiadis was glowing after the win, but said there was still room for improvement.

"It was a really good all-round performance and we seem to be playing better week by week," he said.

"But there is still room to get better.

"One of the things about the Premier League is that you never know how teams are going to play week by

week.

"I want to make sure that this team is known for its consistently high performances."

It would be hard to fault the Cannons' first goal, an equaliser after Oakleigh had been caught napping in the eighth minute by Ibrahim Ibrahimi and a Thunder counterattack.

Karpeh provided the shot after an across-the-ground move.

Curcija added the second in the 67th minute before being substituted for Ricky Diacos, who scored the third in the 90th minute.

■This Sunday the Cannons meet Heidelberg at Olympic Village, Catalina Street, Heidelberg Heights at 7pm.