Throughout the 2025 NPLM season, we will be shining a spotlight on one Match of the Round each week, bringing you key matchups, in-depth previews, and all the action as it unfolds on match day.
The 2025 NPLM Round 4 Match of the Round promises to be a thrilling encounter as Heidelberg United faces Preston Lions.
BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE
Preview
Friday, February 26, 7:30PM
The Home of The Matildas
Heidelberg United and Preston Lions are set for a blockbuster showdown this Friday, February 28 at The Home of The Matildas, with both sides eager to make a statement early in the NPL Victoria season.
Heidelberg comes into this clash full of confidence after a 2-1 away win over St Albans, showcasing their attacking threat and ability to break down defences. The Bergers have history on their side having won three of the last five meetings between these two teams, but the two sides will look very different this Friday night given the dozen or so years that have passed since, and they know this Preston side won’t make things easy.
Promoted Preston remains unbeaten this campaign and showed their resilience in a hard-fought 1-0 win over Altona Magic last round. Their defensive structure has been rock-solid, and they'll be looking to frustrate Heidelberg while capitalising on key moments in transition.
A key battle to watch will be in midfield, where Heidelberg’s Anthony Lesiotis and Preston’s Emilie Peios will play pivotal roles in dictating the tempo. Whoever wins that duel could hold the key to maintaining their team's structure and unlocking their path to attack.
With momentum on the line and both teams eyeing the upper end of the table, who takes the points?
Head-to-Head Record
Total Matches Played: 64
Heidelberg United Wins: 23
Preston Lions Wins: 23
Draws: 18
Last Time They Met
Round 5, Sunday June 11 2011, 3:00pm @ BT Connor Reserve, Reservoir.
Preston Lions: 2 (Dimitrieski 55, Sapazovski 78);
Heidelberg United: 4 (Martin 26, Christodoulou 35, Samargis 68, Alexovski 69).
Referee: James Nicolopoulos.
Heidelberg United Lineup: Griffin McMaster, Craig Elvin, Luke Byles, Les Doumbalis, Andrew Nabbout (Davide Cardamone 86), Hamlet Armenian, Evan Christodoulou (Ilker Kuyucu 81), Nick Travis (Paul Miller 62), Steve Martin, Jason Samargis (Matt Tancevski 86), Saso Alexovski
Coach: George Katsakis
Preston Lions Lineup: Hamid Kamali, Karlo Juravic, Adis Sehic, Aleks Petrovski (Voislav Gjorgovski 83), Igor Kolevski, Mile Ristov (Daniel Pendovski 71), Robert Najdovski, Robbie Bazzano, Tony Sterjovski (Joshua Tuazama 68), Kliment Dimitrieski, Johnny Sapazovski;
Coach: James Nicolopoulos
Key Matchup: Midfield Battle
Anthony Lesiotis (Heidelberg) and Emilie Peios (Preston) have been instrumental in their teams’ strong starts, setting the tone in midfield with their composure and control. This clash will be decided in the engine room, where both No. 6s will look to dictate play, break up opposition attacks, and drive their teams forward. With so much at stake, their influence could be the key to unlocking victory.
Get to the Game
Watch the stream
The 2025 NPLM Round 4 Match of the Round will be broadcast live and free on the NPL Victoria YouTube Channel.
Commentators: Nick D'Urbano & Steve Curtain