Canberra Croatia have kept their chances of playing finals in the inaugural season of the Australian Championships alive, with a tense goalless draw away to Preston Lions.

In front of passionate Preston crowd at Genis Steel Stadium, Croatia looked the better of the two sides early, with a raft of chances.

The first real chance of the match came in the opening minutes, as Maxx Green slipped his way past the Preston defence, firing his shot straight into the arms of Ryan Scott in goals.

Scott was again called into action as a Daniel Colbertaldo effort deflected off Michael Piccolo and looked destined for the bottom corner, only for the Preston shot-stopper to recover quickly and deny Croatia the opener.

Preston gradually grew into the game, creating chances of their own, but Croatia ‘keeper Sebastian Arranz was in top form to keep scores level.

Giorgio Serdenes provided a moment of class for the hosts, expertly striking the ball on a half volley, but was denied by an equally incredible save from Arranz, just before the half-time break.

Serdenes tried his luck again with an acrobatic effort just before the hour mark, but saw his effort bounce harmlessly wide of the goal, much to the relief of Croatia.

It was a nervy finish for Croatia, as the hosts pressed hard in the dying stages of the match.

Arranz did well to push a Marcus Schroen cross out of the path of Lleyton Brooks, while a Jonas Markovski header flashed narrowly wide of the goal.

Croatia will face NWS Spirit in the final round of the Group Stage at Deakin Stadium, with a win needed to secure a spot in the Quarter Finals.

 

	Team	P	W	D	L	F	A	GD	PTS
1	Avondale SC	5	3	2	0	11	5	+6	11
2	Preston Lions	5	1	3	1	6	5	+1	6
3	NWS Spirit	5	1	2	2	7	9	-2	5
4	Canberra Croatia	4	1	1	3	6	11	-5	4