Newly-promoted Modbury Jets cough up two-goal lead to draw with Adelaide United youth, but remain top of soccer’s NPL SA
Newly-promoted Modbury has learnt a harsh lesson after coughing up a two-goal lead to a Mohamed Toure-inspired Adelaide United youth. But coach Jason Trimboli is upbeat, as the Jets remain the unlikely NPL SA pacesetters.
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Modbury coach Jason Trimboli says his team has learnt a valuable lesson, as it coughed up a two-goal lead but remained top-flight soccer’s unlikely early pacesetter.
The newly-promoted Jets had to settle for a 2-2 draw with 10-man Adelaide United youth in a seesawing National Premer Leagues SA clash at the Parks on Sunday.
Josh Farrell and Shaun McGreevy provided a commanding lead at the break for the visitors, who appeared set to make it three wins from as many outings to start the season.
But a second-half brace, including a 25m thunderbolt, by the Reds’ teenage sensation Mohamed Toure pegged the Jets back.
Trimboli said it was a timely reality check for his unbeaten charges, who retained top spot on the table despite the setback.
“You can’t switch off in this league,” Trimboli said.
“You get punished for mistakes and that’s a lesson for all of us.
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“But I’m really happy with the boys and their effort today.
“We deserved our lead at half-time, but in the second half they were all over us and we just didn’t have the answers.
“I’m pleased with the point, the way the second half panned out, and I’m extremely happy with the start to the season.”
The Jets hit the front in the third-minute lead when Farrell sharply headed in a clever McGreevy cross from close range.
Modbury doubled its advantage 16 minutes later, as McGreevy chested down Jesse Francesca’s through ball and fired home a brilliant volley on the run.
The hosts dragged themselves back into the encounter just before the hour.
Toure, the younger brother of the Reds’ Olyroos striker Al Hassan Toure, lashed in a superb long range drive, a month after becoming the youngest goal scorer in A-League history.
The 15-year-old squared the match seven minutes later, after being teed up by the impressive Jai King.
United’s Kusini Yengi was sent of in stoppage time for his involvement in a late melee involving most players from both teams.
“Goals change matches and their first goal certainly did that,” said Trimboli, who led the Jets to the State League One minor premiership last campaign.
“Once they scored, they just found that extra step.
“Their fitness became apparent and we were unable to close their midfielders as quick as we did at the beginning of the game.
“But we’ve been underestimated by a few people and it’s good to be able to get out there and let the boys do the talking on the pitch.
“Our ambition this year was to give a really good account of ourselves and make sure the club is in the Premier League come 2021.
“On what we’ve shown so far, we can hold our heads high and keep working towards that goal.”
Meanwhile, Adelaide Olympic moved into second following a last-gasp 1-0 victory over Para Hills at the Paddocks on Friday night.
Italian striker Fausto Erba came off the bench to fire home the winner from a tight angle seven minutes from time.
Reigning champion Campbelltown City was held to a 1-1 draw with Croydon Kings at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre.
Off-season recruit Josh Barresi gave the Red Devils a first-half lead, only for Nathan Munro to level the contest after the break.
The hosts also had defender Matthew Mullen sent off late on for a second booking.
Top-tier new boys Cumberland United remained bottom following a 1-0 defeat to Adelaide Comets at SA Athletics Stadium.
Tete Yengi sealed the points for the hosts, who jumped to third on the table.
The Foxes’ Jordan Pegoraro missed a penalty for the pointless visitors.
Christian Esposito’s second-half strike salvaged a 1-1 draw for MetroStars with Adelaide City.
Former Adelaide United star Marcos Flores had given the Black and Whites the lead just before half-time at TK Shutter Reserve.
Adelaide Blue Eagles host Raiders in the remaining round-three fixture at Marden Sports Complex on Monday night (8.15pm kick-off).