Heidelberg United Alexander sealed a return to the NPL grand final for the first time since 2018 with a hard-fought 2-1 win over the in-form Preston Lions before 5,692 fans at Olympic Village on Friday night.
First-half goals from Sabit Ngor and Bul Juach gave Heidelberg a commanding lead, before Preston’s late surge set up a tense finale.
Ngor opened the scoring after 40 minutes, latching onto a long pass from Ryan Lethlean and finishing superbly. In first-half stoppage time, Juach converted from the spot after Mo Aidara was brought down in the box.
The Lions, riding a seven-game winning streak, struggled to create chances until the 70th minute, when Yaren Sozer denied Dom Folino’s long-range strike. Their breakthrough came in the 81st minute when Matt Bozinovski pounced after Jason Romero’s free kick deflected off the wall.
Despite a frantic finish, Heidelberg held on to secure their spot at Lakeside Stadium next weekend. Aidara and Anthony Lesiotis were standouts in midfield, while Sozer produced key saves to blunt Preston’s attack.
One concern for Heidelberg is the fitness of skipper Ben Collins, who was substituted at half-time. His availability for the decider remains in doubt.
