Western United is gearing up for a big clash in NPL 2 Victoria as Preston Lions arrive at City Vista for a Round 4 blockbuster.
Match Details
NPL Victoria Round 4
Western United vs Preston Lions
Sunday, 12 March
Kick-off: 3:00pm AEDT (Under 23’s), 5:30pm AEDT (Under 21’s)
City Vista Pavilion and Sports Field, Plumpton
Last time out
Western United’s Under 23’s suffered their first lost of the new season last time out, falling 3-0 to promotion favourites Pascoe Vale FC.
After competing for the majority of the game, United lost out in the second half with two goals in the final 15 minutes consigning Diogo Ferreira to his first defeat as head coach.
Vaughan Coveny’s Under 21’s brought some silver lining afterwards, with Thomas Alisandratos and Luke Vickery firing the team to a 2-0 victory.
That result ensures the Green and Black remains top of the table with a perfect three wins from three, while the Under 23’s sit fifth on the table.
All four Junior Academy teams won their matches against Melbourne Knights last weekend, with each side remaining in the top three positions on their respective competition ladders.
The Opponent
Preston Lions have joined Western United in making the step up to NPL 2 Victoria this season after having won the NPL 3 title in 2022.
A fine campaign saw Preston finish three points above Melbourne City, and they have started this season in similar form with two wins through the opening three matches.
Preston will be fancying a double promotion attempt and will provide United with another tough examination, adding to the number of entertaining fixtures between the two sides in previous years.
Junior Academy sides meet St Albans Saints at Saltwater Reserve
Western United’s Junior Academy teams will play at home a Saltwater Reserve for the second week in a row, taking on St Albans Saints in Round 6 this weekend.
Being the sixth of 11 grading rounds, all four sides will be hoping to continue their strong form to ensure they are placed in the top division once the leagues split.
St Albans have started particularly strongly in the Under 14’s and Under 18’s divisions and will be equally eager to carry some momentum into the remainder of the grading period
Western United Junior Academy Match Details
Sunday, 12 March
Western United vs St Albans Saints
Kick-off times: 9:30am (Under 14’s), 11:10am (Under 15’s), 1:00pm (Under 16’s), 3:00pm (Under 18’s)
Saltwater Reserve, Point Cook
Calder United junior sides face Southern United
Calder United’s junior girls continue their seasons with a return home to Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, facing off against Southern United.
Southern are second in the Under 17’s competition and level with Calder in the Under 13’s, so Calder will be hoping for some important results to move up the table in each age level.
Calder United Junior’s Match Details
Saturday, 11 March
Calder United vs Southern United
Kick-off times: 9:45am (Under 13’s), 11:00am (Under 15’s), 12:30pm (Under 17’s)
Keilor Park Recreation Reserve, Keilor Park