Soccer: Preston Lions back in promotion mix after scrappy 1-0 victory over Yarraville Glory

WINGER KENTA Murakami scored the decisive goal as Preston Lions claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over a gallant Yarraville Glory on Sunday.

Preston Lions players leave the pitch after their State League 1 North-West win over Yarraville FC. Picture: Tim Michell.

WINGER KENTA Murakami scored the decisive goal as Preston Lions claimed a crucial 1-0 victory over a gallant Yarraville Glory on Sunday.

At risk of falling further behind State League 1 North-West pacesetter Geelong, Preston was far from its best but produced a resolute defensive display at B.T Connor Reserve.

The home side dominated possession in the opening exchanges and was rewarded on 23 minutes when a cross from the left slid through the Glory defence and Murakami prodded home.

Yarraville came out from the halftime break determined to take the game to Preston and it showed as Glory captain Steve Georgakakis tried to rally his troops.

The influential midfielder was heavily involved as Yarraville pressed for an equaliser but was unable to seriously test Lions keeper Andre Krul.

Two Preston players fight for possession with a Yarraville opponent during their State League 1 North-West fixture. Picture: Tim Michell.

The visitors’ best chances came in the last 15 minutes as Preston defender Aleksandar Petrovski’s intervention stopped a goalbound shot and Georgakakis’ chip sailed inches over the crossbar.

Recruits Lochlan Reus and Jacob Fulluck made their debuts for the Lions in the fixture after long-term injuries to Jip Bartels and Glenn Gabriel during the week.

Preston is seven points behind Geelong after the victory, but coach Lou Acevski remains confident the Lions have enough time to close the gap.

“In this league, teams are going to drop points,” Acevski said.

“Teams above us will drop points. Anybody can beat anybody on their day.

“15 games to go, a lot of football to be played. If we can get on a bit of a roll, win seven or eight on the trot, you don’t know what can happen.”

Yarraville is stuck at the bottom of the ladder, five points behind 10th-placed Essendon Royals.

Glory coach Paul Donnelly said he could not fault his side’s desire despite the result.

“Gutted for the boys, to be honest,” Donnelly said.

“They put in a really big shift. We huffed and puffed but just couldn’t get the goal. I think we deserved it.

“It’s such a cruel bloody game at times.”

Preston travels to Sydenham Park this Saturday for a derby clash, while Yarraville hosts Altona City.