Preston Lions Move To Top Of Group D and Marconi Stallions Climb Group C

Preston Lions produced an impressive comeback to defeat Lions FC 3–1 in an entertaining Round 5 encounter, recovering from an early setback with three goals of their own.

The home side began brightly, enjoying more of the possession and looking to build patiently, but Lions FC remained organised at the back. It was the visitors who struck first in the eighth minute, with a long ball over the top causing confusion. The Preston goalkeeper rushed out to clear but missed the ball, allowing Lions FC's Lachie Broderick to tap into an empty net.

Lions FC almost doubled their advantage moments later, creating two or three efforts on target in quick succession, but Preston managed to keep the ball out.

Preston responded emphatically in the 15th minute. Lachie Brooks collected the rebound after an effort had struck the crossbar and fired a superb finish into the top corner to bring the hosts level.

The comeback was completed just six minutes later. A cross into the penalty area found Nahuel Bonada, who produced an acrobatic finish to turn the ball into the net and put Preston ahead.

Two quick goals for @prestonlionsfc 😮‍💨 The home side turn it around inside 23-minutes https://t.co/1YOeFsKyCS

— Australian Championship (@AusChampionship) November 13, 2026

After a frantic opening 21 minutes, both sides settled into the contest and saw out the remainder of the first half without further scoring.

Preston had an opportunity to extend their lead in the 50th minute when Jovan Markovski found space down the right, but opted to shoot rather than square the ball, and the chance went begging.

Lions FC looked to respond through some neat build-up play in the 59th minute. Jerson Lagos Giraldo drilled an effort towards the bottom corner, but the Preston goalkeeper made the save before the follow-up was blocked.

The match was briefly halted in the 66th minute after Preston's Zachary Cianci suffered a serious head collision and was forced off.

Lions FC continued to search for a way back into the game, with Austin Ludwik getting on the end of a dangerous free kick in the 75th minute, but his header sailed over the bar.

Brooks tried his luck from distance two minutes later, before putting the result beyond doubt in the 78th minute. The Preston forward produced an excellent finish from a tight angle after a well-worked attacking move, securing his second goal of the afternoon and Preston's third.

Preston comfortably saw out the closing stages to claim a 3–1 victory, completing an impressive turnaround after conceding early.

Marconi Stallions hold off home-side Oakleigh Cannons to move up the ladder in Group C

The action started early at Jack Edwards Reserve as the visiting side of Marconi Stallions went one up just seven minutes into play. The strike that put them ahead came from Stephan De Robillard who sent it straight into the top corner and past the hands of Lachie Charles in the Oakleigh Cannons goal.

James Georgiou for the Cannons had the chance to equalise in the 17th but sent it high and over the bar. Play didn’t stop there as the controlling side of the Marconi Stallions took advantage and scored in the 27th minute with a stellar header from Cameron Windust!

Oakleigh Cannons took one back just before the half time whistle as Mark Leonard tapped it in to bring the score going into the break to 2-1.

It wasn’t long into the second half before the Oakleigh Cannons equalised with Brodie Boyce converting a set piece corner into a brilliant goal at home!

Oakleigh Cannons equalise 💪 Brodie Boyce with the corner conversion! https://t.co/wiNucYPBS8

— Australian Championship (@AusChampionship) November 13, 2026

A third goal for the Oakleigh Cannons was scored in stoppage time but disallowed and ruled as offside meaning the two teams were to face each other in the penalty-shootout for the second time this season.

It was Anton Mlinaric, sporting the captains band for tonights match, who scored the winning penalty for the Marconi Stallions and brought home the bonus point for the visitors at Jack Edwards Reserve. The two points for the Marconi Stallions moves them up the ladder in Group C and ahead of Sydney Olympic.

The Oakleigh Cannons stay 2nd in the table behind Bayswater City as they are equal on points, but the Cannons just trailing behind on goal difference.

Both teams are next set to play on the 21st November, with the Marconi Stallions taking on Sydney Olympic at Marconi Stadium and Oakleigh Cannons hosting Bayswater City.