State league soccer: Samuel Mason-Smith’s signing signals Preston Lions title intent
It was the jaw-dropping strike which decided the destination of last year’s State League 1 North-West title.
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It was the jaw-dropping strike which decided the destination of last year’s State League 1 North-West title.
Preston Lions entered their Round 21 clash against Geelong one point behind the league leader, knowing victory would likely result in promotion to the National Premier League.
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Prolific striker Samuel Mason-Smith landed the telling blow which turned the fixture in Geelong’s favour, expertly controlling a cross-field ball before lashing home from outside the box.
It was an unforgettable goal which would ultimately help Geelong seal promotion and which Preston hopes Mason-Smith will reproduce for the club this year.
The English forward is one of the marquee signings for Preston ahead of the state league season, which starts on Sunday, March 24 when the Lions host FC Clifton Hill.
“Sammy is a goal scorer, that’s for sure,” coach Lou Acevski said.
“I think he is the top scorer at the moment in the New Zealand championship.
“He is that proven goal scorer that does score important goals.”
Former Perth Glory winger Andrezinho has also crossed to B.T Connor Reserve after a lengthy professional career which included 25 A-League appearances.
“The boy has got a lot of quality,” Acevski said.
“His CV will tell you where he’s played and what he has done and you can’t just be any footballer to achieve all those results he has achieved in his career.”
Former NPL defender Nathan Cook, Chilean attacking midfielder Julio Beltran, winger Ben Lyvidikos, ex-Perth trio Alexandar Tanevski, Nikola Talimdzioski and Dejan Spaseski and new first-choice goalkeeper Dominic Kurasik are other key signings.
“We have also kept I think 12-13 boys from last season, so a good core,” Acevski said.
“We have added some quality as well to the squad.
“They’re all hard workers, which was one of the things that was very important to us.”
Preston Lions finished third last year behind Geelong and North Sunshine Eagles.
The club will need a top-two finish to guarantee entry into VPL2, which is set to become the third tier of Victorian soccer from 2020.
“We don’t hide away as a club that we are trying to do some good things, get promoted and try and play at the highest possible standard in the state,” Acevski said.
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