Avondale FC starting XI: Manos (GK), Wellsmore, Brice (captain), Kamara, Edwards, Cuba, Trajcevski, Towns, Zinni, Aguek, Courtney-Perkins.
Goals: Kamara 90+2’
The win against Dandenong secured Avondale a spot in the Round of 32 of the Australia Cup and a place in the Semi Final of the Dockerty Cup (State Cup) against South Melbourne FC.
In a match of real importance for both clubs, Preston started strongly, pressing the Avengers from the outset. Avondale attempted to settle into their rhythm despite the early pressure.
Seventeen minutes in, Preston broke down the right side of Avondale's defence and delivered a cross into the box, where an unmarked forward headed home from close range to give the Lions a 1–0 lead.
The remaining half-hour of the first half was played at a high intensity, but with few clear chances created by either side.
The second half began much like the first, with both sides trying to assert control. By the 55th minute, Avondale began to gain momentum, dictating play through possession and movement as Preston remained a constant threat on the counterattack.
In the 88th minute, Avondale midfielder Kristian Trajcevski drove to the edge of the box and delivered a perfectly weighted cross to the far post. Stefan Valentini met it with a powerful header, only to be denied by a crucial save from the Preston goalkeeper.
Then, in the 92nd minute, Avondale defender Kalilou Kamara took possession 25 meters from goal. Beating an oncoming defender, he unleashed a strike from 20 meters out, finding the back of the net and delivering a well-deserved equaliser for the Avengers.
In the remaining seven minutes of stoppage time, Avondale pushed hard for a winner, but the match ended 1–1.
A valuable point on the road for the Avengers keeps them in second place on the NPL Victoria table, just three points behind league leaders Heidelberg United.
Avondale will next face Dandenong Thunder in Round 20 of the NPLVIC season, kicking off at 3 p.m. this Saturday afternoon at Avenger Park.
Forza Avondale!
