Match Report
The table gap was wide: 21 points between Preston Lions (2nd, 51 pts) and Melbourne City II (10th, 30 pts). Against a league average of 1.49 goals per team per game, Preston Lions ran at 1.58 scored and 0.73 conceded, Melbourne City II at 1.62 and 1.62.
Defeat had not touched Preston Lions in 12 games. Melbourne City II entered with four losses in a row. The last-five ledger: Preston Lions 13/15, Melbourne City II 1/15.
The head-to-head ledger counts 4 games: 2 Preston Lions wins, 1 for Melbourne City II, 1 draw, at 2.75 goals per meeting. History gives the home side just 0% of the wins in this matchup. History points to goals: 75% of the meetings had three or more.
B.T. Connor Reserve staged the fixture, a ground that holds 8,000. Half-time and full-time told different stories: Preston Lions led 1-0 at the break, before 3 more goals closed it at 4-0.
Goal scorers
Preston Lions: Cian Cuba (32'), Fraser Brown (55' og), Jamal Ali (69'), L. Tevere (84')
Key stats
Possession: Preston Lions 48% · Melbourne City II 52% · Total shots: 17-10 · On target: 4-4 · Corners: 5-7