Preston Lions not looking too far ahead despite undefeated start to State League 1 North-West season

With a top-of-the-table blockbuster against Sydenham Park looming, Preston Lions have only one focus — the three points — and it’s helped them make an undefeated start to the season.

Lochie Reus in action for Preston Lions. Picture: Stephen Harman

Preston Lions only have eyes for Sydenham Park this week.

Not because there’s a top-of-the-table blockbuster next Saturday, simply because Sydenham Park are next.

The Lions are undefeated on top of the State League 1 North-West ladder but aren’t getting ahead of themselves.

Preston travels to Keilor Lodge Reserve to face Sydenham but as soon as the final whistle sounds, the focus will switch to Clifton Hill.

Coach Lou Acevski has only one focus every week, the three points.

Jacob Fulluck in action for Preston Lions. Picture: David Smith

“We play Sydenham in our next league game, which brings us to pretty much the halfway mark of the season,” he said.

“All our concentration and work is going towards the Sydenham game and hopefully we can come away with three points.

“We’re not really looking at the ladder and saying this team is breathing down our neck, that doesn’t really concern us.”

NPL2: RANGES’ HIGH HOPES AFTER HORROR START

LEADER: GET YOUR LOCAL SPORT NEWS HERE

AFCON: KAMSOBA DESTINED FOR BIGGER STAGE

The Lions have been banging in the goals this season, finding the back of the net 25 times in the opening 10 games and boosting an impressive plus-20 goal difference.

Nikola Talimdzioski leads the league goalscoring charts with eight and Acevski was pleased with his versatile forward line.

“It’s been a really good team effort, our front third can all score goals,” he said.

Lochie Reus in action for Preston Lions. Picture: Stephen Harman

“Nikola has scored from a No.9 role, from a wing, from a No.10 role.

“We rotate the boys in the front third and they’re all dangerous; Alex Tanevski, Sam Mason-Smith, Rhys Saunders, Lochlan Reus can all cause headaches for opposition teams.”

After disposing of Banyule City last weekend, the Lions sit a game clear on top of the ladder.

It’s an impressive effort given Preston was also involved in mid-week FFA Cup games until being knocked out in the sixth round.

“That’s the beauty of having a decent sized squad, we’ve got 20-odd players that are up for contention every week,” Acevski said.

“Having that many players is a big positive for us, rotating a couple of individuals here and there has got the boys up for every game we’ve played.

“Results have been positive, the players have done a terrific job.”