National Premier League SA round two: Red Devils win thriller and ex-Reds star Marcos Flores scores first goal for Adelaide City
Ex-Adelaide United star Marcos Flores netted his first goal for Adelaide City and a first win for top-flight newcomer Raiders. All that and more in Messenger Community News’ round two match reports.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- NPL: Round one Kings shock City, South squanders two-goal lead
- Foxes, Birks chase State League One glory
- Season preview: Galaxy of stars set to light up Premier League
Most round two Premier League soccer games were postponed until Sunday night because of scorching, 40 degree temperatures and although the weather may have cooled down the heat was still apparent on the pitch.
There was a thrilling goal-fest between Campbelltown City and the young Reds, ex-Adelaide United star Marcos Flores netted his first goal for Adelaide City and a first win for top-flight newcomer Raiders.
Read Messenger Community News’ match reports on all the action.
CAMPBELLTOWN CITY 4
ADELAIDE UNITED YOUTH 3
Campbelltown coach Joe Mullen was pleased his side claimed its first win of this season — a 4-3 victory over Adelaide United youth at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Sunday.
The Red Devils took a 2-1 lead at halftime following a brilliant finish by Yohei Matsumoto and a goal to Ian Fyfe.
Adam Piscioneri added a goal from outside the box early in the second half to give Campbelltown a 3-1 lead before Jacob Williams netted a fourth for the hosts.
But the young Reds fought back hard and Carlo Armiento scored with 76 minutes gone before Pacifique Niyongabire netted his second on 83 minutes.
The Red Devils managed to hold on and claim the win.
“We had a great start to the game and controlled the majority of the second half as well,” Mullen said.
“In the end a couple of decisions went against us and to Adelaide’s credit they scored a couple of late goals.
“We will take the three points though and look forward to next week.”
Campbelltown takes on newly promoted Raiders at home this Saturday.
ADELAIDE CITY 3
ADELAIDE BLUE EAGLES 3
Adelaide City’s marquee recruit and former Adelaide United star Marcos Flores netted his first goal for the NPL powerhouse on Monday night, but it was not enough to get the Black and Whites over the line.
In a thrilling game, City drew with newly promoted Adelaide Blue Eagles 3-3 at Marden Sports Complex.
Flores’ goal was slotted on 21 minutes and put City 2-0 ahead after Evan Kostopoulos netted one with four minutes gone.
City’s Joe Costa made it 3-0 but minutes later Brad Corbo was given a yellow card and ABE’s Alemayo Kebede converted a penalty.
Adelaide Blue Eagles’ Evan Kounavelis managed to get on the end of a goal on 41 minutes to cut City’s lead to 3-2 at the break.
Minutes after play resumed, the Black and Whites were reduced to 10 men as Corbo was given his marching orders and ABE capitalised, netting another goal to lock the scores at 3-3.
City played out the final 20 minutes with nine men after Zak Waters was handed a red card.
SOUTH ADELAIDE 1
RAIDERS 3
South Adelaide coach Ben Dale praised his side for showing character, despite losing its second round Premier League soccer clash 3-1 to Raiders at O’Sullivan Beach on Sunday.
The Panthers controlled the first half-hour of the game but were not able to make the most of opportunities.
The turning point of the game came when Panthers centre-back Jake Carmichael was sent off after his second yellow card.
The visitors went up 1-0 just before halftime and an early goal in the second half to Raiders gave them a 2-0 lead.
South received a penalty with 10 minutes remaining and Doni Pollock finished it off nicely to give the Panthers some hope stealing a point.
Despite a gallant effort with 10 men, Raiders scored late in the game to finish 3-1 and sour the opening of South’s new pitch.
Dale was proud his team kept fighting but said his side needed to improve at making the most of their opportunities.
“I felt as though we controlled the first 30 minutes and we had some great opportunities to score but we didn’t take them and that proved costly in the end,” Dale said.
“Our central defender getting sent off really hurt our structure and we kept attacking which I was really proud of.
“In the end we still remain without a point this year, we’ll have to get better or it will be a long season.”
CROYDON 1
WEST ADELAIDE 0
Croydon Kings coach Angelo Costanzo was delighted after his side continued its unbeaten start to the season with a 1-0 win over West Adelaide at Polonia Reserve on Sunday.
Antoni Trimboli was the solo goal scorer for the match after he finished off a clever set piece for his team.
Constanzo praised the Kings’ effort in a scrappy affair played in tough humid conditions and felt his side deserved the three points.
He reserved special praise for Trimboli, who has not missed a beat since crossing over from Adelaide Olympic.
“In the end I felt as though it was a good result, the boys worked really well and although we didn’t play as well as last week, we deserved the win,” Constanzo said.
“The boys are responding to everything I want them to do and two wins from the first two rounds is a great way to start.
“I have been really impressed with Trimboli and his goal was all class.”
ADELAIDE OLYMPIC 3
METROSTARS 1
Adelaide Olympic made it two wins in-a-row after a 3-1 victory over MetroStars on Sunday.
Fausto Erba and Christos Pounendis both scored within the first 10 minutes.
Ricardo Da Silva then netted a third in the 32nd for an emphatic win at the Parks.
Olympic take on Adelaide Comets this Saturday night at home.
ADELAIDE COMETS 1
PARA HILLS KNIGHTS 1
Adelaide Comets failed to continue its round one form into this week and was forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Para Hills Knights at Jack Smith Park on Monday night.
The match was tight from the first whistle and scores were locked at 0-0 at halftime.
Para Hills then looked to be in the box seat to claim its first victory of this season when Michael Ndjekompte netted a goal on 65 minutes.
But Comets skipper Allan Welsh converted a late penalty to ensure both teams walked away with a share of the points.
STATE LEAGUE ONE RESULTS:
Modbury Jets 1 d Western Strikers 0
Seaford Rangers 3 lost to Sturt 4
White City 1 d Adelaide Victory 0
Fulham United 2 d West Torrens Birkalla 0
Tuesday matches (after presstime):
Noarlunga United v Salisbury United
Playford City v Cumberland United
STATE LEAGUE TWO RESULTS:
Eastern United 5 d UniSA 0
Cove 4 lost to Gawler 6
Modbury Vista 1 lost to Adelaide University 2
Adelaide Cobras 2 d Northern Demons 0
Pirates 1 lost to Vipers 2
Ranked: Top 25 Hills FL Country Division players of the 21st Century
The Hills Football League’s Country Division has been stacked with top talent so we’ve ranked the best of the best. See our top 25 players of the past 25 years.
Cats slammed: ‘What happened at Geelong wasn’t healthy’
A delisted Geelong player has opened up on his “terrible” time at the Cats after returning to South Australia, saying he felt as though he was unappreciated.