Western United faces arguably its biggest match of the season in NPL 2 Victoria, taking on Kingston City with a promotion place on the line heading into the final two matches.
Calder United will play an important game in NPLW Victoria, too, hosting South Melbourne in a crucial clash in the race for finals football.
Match Details
NPL 2 Victoria Round 24
Western United vs Brunswick Juventus
Saturday, 29 July
Kick-off: 2:30pm AEST (Under 21’s), 5:00pm AEST (Under 23’s)
City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field, Plumpton
Last time out
Western United salvaged a potentially vital point last time out as Matthew Grimaldi’s late penalty earned the side a 1-1 draw away at Brunswick Juventus.
Despite a dominant first half, United was unable to capitalise on its chances and fell behind in the second period before Grimaldi held his nerve from the spot in the dying minutes.
Preston Lions lost their match and Kingston City and Dandenong City drew with each other at the top of the table, so the point ensured United remains in the centre of the battle for promotion with three matches left to play.
The Under 21’s had no such issues on the night, sweeping Brunswick Juventus aside with a comfortable 4-0 triumph.
Alessio Centaro and Josh Divin both scored twice to send the Green and Black on its way, with Vaughan Coveny’s side remaining three points adrift of Melbourne City at the top of the table.
The Opponent
Kingston City have been a prominent name atop the NPL 2 Victoria table for the majority of the season and will be eager to cement a spot in the top division for 2024.
After losing two of the opening three matches, Kingston have put together a tremendous season with just four losses in the following 20 fixtures.
Only Melbourne City have scored more than their 46 goals across the campaign, leading to them boasting the best goal difference in the competition.
Kingston beat United 1-0 in April, with the Green and Black eager to overturn that result and leapfrog its opponents in the final stages of the season.
Kingston’s Under 21’s have struggled throughout the season and are in the midst of a seven-game winless run, their longest of the campaign.
The side sits second bottom on the table but will be out to cause an upset and halt United’s momentum at the top.
Western United Junior Academy teams face tough battle with Melbourne City
Western United will welcome Melbourne City to Alcock Road Reserve in the junior NPL divisions for four hotly contested matches.
The Under 18’s game will be the headline fixture with just two points separating the sides as United looks to jump above City into second place on the table.
The Under 14’s will also have the opportunity to go level on points with City with a win as the Green and Black outfits look to test themselves in their inaugural year against fellow A-Leagues opposition.
Western United Junior Academy Match Details
JBNPL 1 Round 15
Western United vs Melbourne City
Sunday, 23 July
Kick-off: 10:00am (Under 14’s), 11:30am (Under 15’s), 1:15pm (Under 16’s), 3:15pm (Under 18’s)
Alcock Road Reserve, Truganina
Crunch match for Calder United against South Melbourne
Calder United will look to ensure its place in the finals ahead of the final two matches of the campaign as South Melbourne comes to Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
After a turbulent opening to the season, Calder has found its straps at the perfect time with a run of five wins in the last six league matches propelling the side up into the top four and now just four points off South Melbourne in third.
That has coincided with yet another run to the final of the NIKE F.C. Cup where Calder will be chasing a sixth consecutive title.
A win over South in the semi-final just over two weeks ago will give the side confidence, as will the stabilised defence with Natasha Dakic and Alana Cerne helping to keep three clean sheets on the bounce in all competitions.
They will need to be at the top of their game once again to stop Danielle Wise, the competition’s second top goal scorer, and guide the team to another crucial victory.
Calder’s Under 19’s will also be out to defeat South and move to within a point of their opponents in second place on the table.
The team will be eager to bounce back from two straight defeats and regain momentum heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
Match Details
NPLW Victoria Round 20
Calder United vs South Melbourne
Saturday, 29 July
Kick-off: 1:00pm (Under 19’s), 3:00pm (Senior’s)
Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, Keilor Park
Broadcast: The Senior’s match will be streamed live and free on NPL.tv
Calder United Junior’s play host to Alamein FC
Despite a winless weekend last time out, Calder United’s junior teams each remain in fourth place on their respective league tables and will be well placed to achieve maximum points against Alamein FC.
Calder’s four junior sides have each beaten Alamein twice already this season and will be hoping to make it a hat-trick to kick start the final five weeks of the season.
Calder United Junior’s Match Details
Saturday, 29 July
Calder United vs Alamein FC
Kick-off times: 12:15pm (Under 13’s), 1:30pm (Under 15’s), 3:00pm (Under 17’s)
Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, Keilor Park
