SYDNEY: By Benjamin Coonan – The week ending the 21st of March was a most successful one at all of the Islanders playing abroad in Australia’s state leagues.
A clean sheet from Samoan goalkeeper Pasi Schwalger helped Preston Lions maintain their six game unbeaten streak, as they accounted for Essendon Royals 1-0 away from home.
The Lions currently sit in first place after six rounds of the VPL, two points ahead of this weekend’s opponent Bullen Zebras, who they will face in front of what is expected to be a large turnout at Preston’s Flying Lions Stadium.
Schwalger’s clean sheet was his second in succession and fourth of the campaign. A positive sign for Samoan coach David Brand ahead of May’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Further north and there was more good news for Vanuatuan pair Etienne Mermer and Richard Iwai at Mitchelton SC.
Mitchie came up trumps 1-0 away to Souths United with a goal from Mermer proving to be the difference.
The win was Mitchie’s second on the trot and saw them move to fifth place with seven points.
This Saturday, Mitchelton face fourth placed Brisbane City at home in what is effectively a six pointer, given that the sides are currently separated only by goal difference.