Lions FC have fallen agonisingly short of claiming the crown of Australia’s National Premier Leagues Champions, going down 2-1 to South Australia’s Campbelltown City SC.

Lions’ players must have still been feeling the effects of the flight down to South Australia and a recent heavy schedule as Campbelltown’s first goal came in just the fourth minute of play, winger Yohei Matsumoto wreaking havoc down the right flank before teeing up Anthony Ture for a well-taken finish.

The hosts then doubled their advantage just after the 30 minute mark, Ture again on hand to bury home his and Campbelltown’s second of the match.

After the halftime break, Lions came roaring out of the blocks and pulled a goal back in spectacular fashion, fullback Andrew Thompson unleashing a long range pile driver into the back of City’s net.

Lions continued to press for an equaliser but to no avail as Campbelltown City held on to claim a hard-fought 2-1 victory, which secures them the title of the best NPL side in Australia as well as direct passage to the 2019 FFA Cup Round of 32.

Words: Samuel Johnson
Image: Getty Images