Western United is set for its toughest test yet in NPL 3 Victoria with a top of the table clash against Preston Lions on Friday night.
Match Details
Western United vs Preston Lions
Friday, 14 May
Kick-off: 8:30pm
B.T. Connor Reserve, Preston
Last time out
Western United returned to the winners’ list last week with a gritty 2-1 win over Springvale White Eagles.
Ante Moric’s side went into the half-time break 2-0 up after Ayom Majok had opened the scoring before Manyluak Aguek added another from the penalty spot soon after, leaving the pair on four and five goals for the season respectively.
That result ensured United remain undefeated through seven games, but a league-high three draws has them four points shy of table-topping Preston.
The Opponent
Preston Lions is the only other undefeated side in the competition, maintaining their strong start with a 2-0 win over Box Hill last Friday.
Spurred on by their vocal home supporters, Lions have won six of the first seven games so far to open up a commanding early lead in NPL 3.
Striker Christopher Davies is the top scorer with six goals, just one goal shy of being the top marksman in the division.
Season stats
Preston has outscored Western United by just one goal so far this season with 20 goals compared to United’s 19.
The two sides, together with Melbourne City in third place, have been free-scoring to start the NPL 3 season, scoring more than a third of the entire competition’s goals between them.
United and Preston remain the only two sides yet to taste defeat this season, with the possibility for either side to suffer a first loss of the campaign on Friday.
Aguek’s goal against Springvale puts him level with Nicolas Milanovic as United’s top scorers.
