Western United faces a huge clash in NPL 2 Victoria this weekend, taking on Preston Lions in a battle at the top of the table.
The Junior Academy teams will all travel away to FC Bulleen Lions and Calder United heads to Alamein FC in NPLW Victoria.
Match Details
NPL 2 Victoria Round 17
Preston Lions vs Western United
Friday 9 June
Kick-off: 6:15pm AEST (Under 21’) 8:30pm AEST (Under 23’s)
BT Connor Reserve, Reservoir
Last time out
Western United’s Under 23’s fell to a second straight defeat in NPL 2 Victoria last season, going down 3-2 to against Pascoe Vale FC last Friday night.
The Green and Black mounted a comeback to square the game after falling behind 2-0, but Pascoe Vale struck a second-half penalty to take all three points.
The Under 21’s enjoyed a happier experience against Pascoe Vale the following afternoon, romping to a 5-0 victory.
Vaughan Coveny’s side continues to keep the pressure on Melbourne City at the top of the league and will go in search of another victory on Friday night.
The Opponent
Preston Lions remain one of the top sides in NPL 2 and have been with Western United every step of the way, earning promotion out of NPL 3 last year and now competing at the top of the table in 2023.
United and Preston both lead the way with nine wins from 16 matches this season, though Preston’s four losses are a league-lowest total.
The incredibly competitive nature of the competition means the 14 teams are separated by just 16 points from top to bottom, with Preston currently in first place on 30 points with a three point gap to United and Kingston City.
Preston’s Under 21’s have also been in brilliant form. After losing five of the first six matches, Preston have gone unbeaten in the subsequent 10 fixtures to rise to fifth on the table.
That will make them a difficult opponent for the Green and Black on Friday, and Coveny’s men will do well to avoid complacency from the 4-1 win in Round 4.
Western United Junior Academy sides face tough tests against FC Bulleen Lions
Western United’s Junior Academy teams will each head to the east to face FC Bulleen Lions for a day of big matches in each JBNPL 1 division.
Bulleen’s Under 15’s come into the clash with a perfect six-from-six record that United will be aiming to end, while the Green and Black will hope to move ahead of Bulleen in the Under 14’s and Under 18’s competitions.
Consistently a strong JBNPL side, Bulleen will provide United’s young stars with a fantastic chance to test themselves and develop early on in their respective seasons.
Western United Junior Academy Match Details
JBNPL 1 Round 7
FC Bulleen Lions vs Western United
Sunday, 11 June
Kick-off: 10:00am (Under 14’s), 11:30am (Under 15’s), 1:15pm (Under 16’s), 3:15pm (Under 18’s)
Calder United hosts Box Hill United to kick off second half of the season
Calder United will be looking for revenge against Alamein FC this weekend, looking to bounce back from defeat when the sides last met in Round 2.
Two late goals from Box Hill United condemned Calder to its first loss in five matches and Nathan Maiorana and Helen Winterburn will be eager for their side to respond.
A win would see Calder leapfrog Alamein on the table and continue its push to break into the top four come the end of the season.
Calder’s Under 19’s will look to get back to winning ways after a thrilling 3-3 draw against Box Hill last time out.
Alamein sit in eighth place on the table while Calder remain in second, with Andy Burnett’s side keen to pick up another three points.
Match Details
NPLW Victoria Round 13
Alamein FC vs Calder United
Saturday, 10 June
Kick-off: 12:30pm (Under 19’s), 3:00pm (Senior’s)
Dorothy Laver West Reserve, Glen Iris
Broadcast: The Senior’s match will be streamed live and free on NPL.tv
Calder United juniors off to Bayside United
Calder United’s junior sides complete a weekend of trips to the east across the board, taking on Bayside United on Sunday.
Calder enjoyed an unbeaten day against Bayside earlier in the season and will be out to repeat that feat as each team continues to look upwards on their respective league tables.
Calder United Junior’s Match Details
Sunday, 10 June
Bayside United vs Calder United
Kick-off times: 12:00pm (Under 13’s), 1:30pm (Under 15’s), 3:30pm (Under 17’s)
Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, Cheltenham
