City’s undefeated NPL side face another early season test this Saturday as they take on Moreland Zebras at the Academy Pitches at CFA Melbourne.
The boys come into the clash without a loss in their opening three matches as City sit on top of the NPL2 West conference with seven points. Joe Palatsides’ side are equal with St Albans Saints, with this week’s opponents following closely behind in third.
A dominant performance from the boys last week saw them make light work of North Geelong Warriors with Chris Cristaldo on the scoresheet once again on the way to his side’s 5-2 win.
See our full match report and highlights from the match.
The Zebras will pose the biggest test for our NPL side so far this season with last year’s runners-up looking to go one better in 2016. Moreland were eliminated by Melbourne Victory in the promotion playoff last year and Danny Gnjidic’s side have come agonisingly close to promotion in the NPL’s short history.
With a side full of experience at both local and national level, the Zebras will look to impose their physical game on Saturday as they look to maintain their position near the summit of the table.
Moreland’s biggest threat up front is young gun James Papadimitriou. The striker had a stint with City’s youth side before heading to the Zebras where he has blossomed in the local leagues. Papadimitriou was the league’s top scorer last year, netting 18 times and found the back of the net in last week’s 3-1 win over Werribee.
Entry is free to the match.
See our full fixtures, ladders and results
Match Details
NPL2 West – Round 4
Saturday 12 March
Melbourne City FC v Moreland Zebras
CFA Academy Pitches – Lower Playing Fields, La Trobe University
Kick-off: Under 20’s 1.00pm, Seniors 3.00pm
