Max Hatzoglou
In the opening round of National Premier League division 3, North Sunshine suffered a loss to Preston Lions in front of a strong crowd, reaching over 1000 fans at Larissa Reserve in St Albans.
A goal through Eagles forward Jakub Mlcak equalised the scoreline at 1-1 just before halftime, although a second yellow card to the goalscorer midway through the second half made it difficult for his side, playing one man down.
A bit of drama at the end resulted in another red card to the Eagles, but this time it was to coach Ben Isai who received a second yellow card.
Late in the game, Isai and his bench were calling for a substitute at a break in play, although it was unattended by the fourth official which sparked an outburst reaction from Isai and the Eagles bench.
This led to a red card and Isai being sent off moments later when play stopped after the winning goal was scored by the Lions in extra time.
The match ended 2-1, in what was a lively spectacle to open the season for both sides.
The Eagles will travel down the highway to take on Geelong next week with both teams searching for their first win of the season.
In the NPL, all three Brimbank-based teams, Melbourne Knights, Green Gully and St Albans, suffered losses in round five.
The biggest of them all was Melbourne Knights, losing 4-0 to Heidelberg United at home on Friday night after a stellar win the week before.
St Albans also played on Friday night and weren’t able to comeback from conceding a goal in the 43rd minute, despite playing against a 10-man Bentleigh Greens side after a red card was given just before halftime.
Playing away from home, the Saints created chances although they weren’t able to capitalise, losing the game 1-0.
Green Gully also lost 1-0 playing away from home against Avondale.
Despite the loss, both Green Gully and St Albans still sit in the top six in fifth and sixth position respectively.
Melbourne Knights are placed in 10th, recording two wins for the season to date.
The NPL Women’s competition will get underway on Friday April 1 where Calder United will travel to Wembley Park to take on Box Hill United.
