Melbourne City FC will look to continue their unbeaten start to the NPL 1 West season when they face Springvale White Eagles in Keysborough on Saturday.
City have made an encouraging start to their debut NPL campaign, defeating Brunswick City 3-2 in a thrilling contest last week after rescuing a point in their opening fixture against Moreland City.
Striker Marc Marino has shown some blistering form in front of goal, scoring twice in the opening two matches, while Wade Dekker celebrated his return to action with a brace against Brunswick as the pair begin to forge a lethal partnership in the final third.
After a testing opening period of the season, Melbourne City FC NPL coach Joe Montemurro believes that his side are beginning to adjust to the alternate style of the NPL after a hugely successful National Youth League campaign.
“It has been a solid start as we have had to juggle the transition from the NYL, players being rotated, rested and needed for the A-League side,” Montemurro said. “The league is a true test of character for the boys and they have started to deal with it in a mature and professional way.”
City come up against a Springvale side who have made an underwhelming start to their NPL 1 East campaign. After securing a 1-1 draw with Murray United on the opening day of the season, the Eagles have lost three consecutive league fixtures, with a 2-0 loss to Goulburn Valley Suns FC last week leaving them languishing in ninth position after a winless start.
The White Eagles will be hoping to translate their success in the FFA Cup Preliminaries to their NPL form, after they claimed a shock 2-0 win against top tier NPL side Werribee City in the fourth round of the competition.
Melbourne City FC reserves are also in action against Springvale at White Eagles Stadium, with their clash taking place at 1pm before the seniors kick-off at 3pm.
Match Details
PS4 NPL 1 Round 5
Saturday, 28 March 2014
Springvale White Eagles v Melbourne City FC
Kick-off: Seniors 3pm, Reserves 1pm.
Venue: White Eagles Stadium, Keysborough
