The clash
Melbourne City FC’s pre-season preparations continue, taking on NPL Victoria side Bentleigh Greens at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex on Tuesday night.
Head Coach Erick Mombaerts and his side are coming off their first competitive fixture for the 2019/20 season, a 3-1 win over NPL Champions Campbelltown City in the FFA Cup Round of 32 at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre last Wednesday.
Vying for their second FFA Cup trophy, City successfully progressed through to the Round of 16 following Jamie Maclaren’s brace and Craig Noone’s first competitive goal in City blue.
It took 11 minutes for City’s star striker to find the back of the net, latching onto debutant Javier Cabrera’s brilliant cross with an intelligent finish at the back post. Despite taking an early lead through Maclaren, the hosts hit back 15 minutes later as captain Iain Fyfe made no mistake from the penalty spot.
Mombaerts’ men were quick to hit back as Craig Noone fired City back in front with an impressive long-range effort, ensuring a 2-1 lead in favour of the visitors at the break. Following a more subdued second period, Maclaren secured City’s passage through to the next stage after he met debutant Adrian Luna’s perfectly weighted cross to nod home in the 93rd minute.
Following a 4-3 win over Oakleigh Cannons a fortnight earlier, City will be looking to ramp up their pre-season preparations when they take on a tough NPL opponent in Bentleigh.
The Greens currently sit in third place on the NPL Victoria table following another consistent year from the club based in Melbourne’s South-East. Captained by experienced defender Jack Webster, Bentleigh have a number of threats across the field, including attacker Matthew Thurtell – a player who is sure to keep City’s defenders on their toes.
With City’s pre-season preparations in full swing and Bentleigh looking to impress as they seek to close out the NPL season on a high, we are set for an entertaining clash at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex.
Teams news
Head Coach Erick Mombaerts’ full squad will be available for selection.
How to watch?
Tickets will be available at the gate. Tickets are $10.00 for General Admission, $7.00 for Members (via email) and Under 14’s go free!
You can also follow our official social media accounts, @melbournecity, for live updates.
Where and when?
Melbourne City FC take on Bentleigh Greens on Tuesday 6 August at Kingston Heath Soccer Complex, kick-off 7:30pm.
