New team(s) in the NPL1 to be officially decided on soon as Murray United F.C. trials heat up.
For every league but the A-league, it’s the offseason, however you wouldn’t know it in Victoria or around the Murray as preparation for the 2015 season intensifies.
At this point, it is all but locked in that Murray United F.C.’s NPL1 is an 18 team competition next year, however there is still some conjecture around who exactly will be the 17th & 18th teams.
Late last month, the State League 1 South East winners, Eastern Lions, president indicated the club was applying for a spot in the NPL1 next season in accordance with FFV guidelines.
The Lions, who were crowned champions last month, were given first rights (along with the North West Winner) to apply for the NPL1 as winners of the split league below the NPL1. They will be given their answer from FFV on Friday.
On the other side of Melbourne are State League 1 North West winners Moreland City FC who have been more cautious in their approach to applying. Speaking to the Moreland Leader newspaper late last month, Vice President Maurice Bisetto stated, “We (the club) haven’t made any decisions…the question is whether we would be in a position to do that (apply)”.
While financial issues and conflicting values have caused the indecisiveness on whether to apply, it is rumored that they have submitted an offer. However the understanding is the club was still doing paper work at least 5 days after the FFV application deadline.
Nevertheless, FFV will most likely announce on Friday, whether Moreland City FC will compete in the 2015 NPL1 next season, or if another team will take their place. More to come…
Up on the border and Murray United F.C. seniors enjoyed their first full 90 minutes on the pitch, as they took on the Under 20’s side in an intra club match.
The team has been hosting trials from under 12’s up to Seniors for more than a fortnight now, with the first batch of match trials occurring between the age divisions last week.
The Seniors fronted up missing numerous players who have shone in the trials so far, allowing others to step up for the side, including a few under 20’s who made the transition to the Senior team to make up the numbers.
The match was cautious at first but slowly opened up into a relatively free flowing game. Early on the Under 20’s made a real fist of it, taking it up to the Seniors. However the experience of the older players eventually frothed to the top as four goals in the final third of the game gave them a 4-0 win.
A fantastic first trial match that showcased the defensive and offensive prowess of the two teams, on a pitch that is currently undergoing work for the 2015 season. Seniors coach Matt Gray expressed his excitement after the match noting, “Some did really well… A lot of the 20’s stepped up for the Seniors as well”
Trials have continued this week including trial matches from under 13’s to 15’s. The second trial match between the Seniors and U20’s will take place again this Friday after the 16’s and 18’s lock horns.
