Eastern Lions claim the National Premier League Victoria 2 East championship crown

The Eastern Lions are on their way to the top level of Victorian soccer for the first time in their 50-year history after securing the NPLV 2 East championship.

Eastern Lions celebrate their championship win Picture: Ghadir Razuki

Burwood-based Eastern Lions travelled to Langwarrin on Saturday with one thought in mind, to win or draw and secure the NPL2 East championship.

And the Lions did just that, drawing 1-1 against a strong Langwarrin side in a tense and often scrappy game, the point enough to secure the title and promotion to the top flight for the first time in the club’s history.

The home side opened the scoring on 20 minutes when a pass from the right wing was not cleared by the Lions’ defence and was netted from close range.

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Eastern Lions and Langwarrin do battle on Saturday. Picture: Ghadir Razuki

The Lions responded to the early setback and were denied an equaliser just before halftime after a good effort from Langwarrin keeper Fraser Maclaren.

The Lions gradually took the initiative in the second 45 minutes with a series of attacks that were desperately defended by the Langwarrin backs.

Finally, with 12 minutes to play, a long cross from Ziggy Razuki glanced off the head of a defender and into the goal, evading Maclaren whose performance had denied the Lions all game.

The Lions continued to attack until the final whistle brought relief and joy in equal measure to senior coach Jimmy Williams and his support staff.

One more game remains, against the winners of NPL2 West, the St Albans Saints, at Oakleigh’s Jack Edwards Reserve to confirm the overall winners of NPL2.

The championship quest was helped when second-placed FC Bulleen Lions, who’ve been hot on Eastern’s heels all season, lost 5-2 to a 10-man Goulburn Valley Suns.

Goalmouth action Picture: Ghadir Razuki

Meanwhile in NPLV, Oakleigh Cannons’ outstanding late-season run came to a disappointing end when it lost its semi-final to Avondale 2-0 at Avenger Park on Saturday.

Avondale took the lead on eight minutes when a corner was flicked on by Liam Boland at the near post and headed home by Scott Hilliar from close range.

That lead was doubled in the 65th when a long cross from the left from Brandon Lundy was met by Stefan Valentini and headed home.