Western United’s NPL 2 promotion play-off has been pencilled in, with the Green and Black set to take on Goulburn Valley Suns at 2pm AEST on Saturday August 27 at Valley Park Events Centre.
Anthony Frost’s senior side confirmed its play-off spot with a 4-1 win over Geelong SC on the final regular season matchday on Saturday, thanks to a Sabit Ngor hat-trick.
That win, coupled with Melbourne Victory’s defeat to Nunawading City, saw the Green and Black move up to third place on the table, booking the clash with Goulburn Valley.
The side from Shepparton finished bottom of NPL 2 with four points from the 22 games and will be out to maintain their spot in the second tier of Victorian state football.
Despite the disappointing season, Goulburn did remain relatively competitive in the final weeks of the season, picking up two of their draws within the final seven matches.
Though their fate at the bottom of the league has been sealed for a number of weeks, Goulburn will be all in on Saturday to ensure they avoid relegation.
For United, this presents the biggest opportunity that the Academy has had since its inception at the beginning of 2021.
After the side put together a strong run of form to sit just a point off the top of the table last year, the season was cut short and United’s growing hopes of promotion at the first time of asking were taken away.
But in his first year as Academy Director and Senior’s head coach, Frost has picked up where the side left off last year and resumed the fight at the top of the division.
Ngor has been instrumental in the front line with 11 goals to his name, while some outstanding performances from Jake Najdovski earned the No.10 an A-League Men scholarship contract.
A number of current scholars in the United team have also played their part along the way including Luke Duzel, Christian Theoharous and Dalibor Markovic.
Promotion would be a major step for the Western United Academy as it looks to continue to provide young players in the West with an elite football pathway through which they can reach their goals.
Entry is $15 for adults and $10 for concessions, and all Western United fans are encouraged to show their Green and Black colours and get behind the Academy side for this crucial fixture.
