This weekend, Birkalla are poised to put pressure on White City and Jets in State League One, while in State League Two, Port Adelaide and Adelaide University do battle for the top spot. Here's your Round Twelve preview.
Words by Fin Dunford
State League One
Birkalla v Cobras
Birkalla enter this affair as heavy favourites, with their quality and recent form – Cobras have it all to do if they are to win this game and begin the revival of their season. Birks are sitting in 3rd after a disappointing draw with Para Hills. Nonetheless, they have been in great form as of late, as has certified goal threat Calvin Mbarga.
Modbury v Playford
This is a big one. Modbury v Playford, 2nd v 4th. Modbury have the opportunity to put further distance between themselves and their Northern colleagues in Playford, whereas the Patriots’ motivation will be to stay within a game of the Jets – and of course the other teams battling at the top. In terms of goal threat – Don Pollock (Jets) and Joshua Farrell (Playford) have both been prolific for their sides thus far and will be looking to be the difference once again this week.
Eastern United v Adelaide Victory
In Eastern United v Adelaide Victory, we have a fixture that exhibits two sides that have not been able to deliver their best football consistently, Eastern more so than Victory. Eastern’s last match was a dismantling at the hands of Birkalla, who are of course one of the state league’s best – nonetheless this result is but one of many in a worrying trend. Victory’s strong start to the year has been quashed somewhat, but they were competitive against the league leaders last time out. Yasamasa Ueda has been leading the line brilliantly, he and his side will back themselves in to take home the three points this week.
Western Strikers v Adelaide Hills
Western Strikers have been clawing back the deficit that a poor run of form had created, and with this turn around they currently sit in 6th. Hills have had a bumpy road but are still within touching distance of finals contention – they come into this one in 8th off the back of an especially bumpy 4-0 loss to Jets. A win for Strikers could see them leapfrog Para Hills in 5th, whereas Hawks would require a seven-goal win to surpass Adelaide Victory – so their goal will be holding off Fulham’s advances from 9th.
White City v Fulham United FC
White City look poised to continue their reign of supremacy at the top as they face a struggling Fulham side, who sit in 9th. That being said, United have had some promising results in recent weeks – and should enter this clash with no fear, it’s White City’s to lose so to speak. White City were impressive as they overcame Victory 2-0 last week, adding another team to their long list of vanquished foes. Fulham were unfortunate, as a 90th minute equaliser denied them the three points against 6th placed Western Strikers.
Para Hills v West Adelaide
In recent years, a Para Hills versus West Adelaide clash at the Paddocks would have meant a tense NPL affair. In 2021, this clash will be carried out on the state league battleground – and yet the stakes have never been higher, particularly for West Adelaide. Para Hills have been picking up handy results as of late and will be looking to pile onto Hellas’ misery with a strong home performance. West Adelaide put a stop to their run of losses and drew with Playford – a promising result that may act as the catalyst for their revival.
State League Two
Port Adelaide v Adelaide Uni
Port Adelaide versus Adelaide Uni is a monumental fixture, as the winner is well on their way to automatic promotion to state league one. Both sides are on equal points and have been making light work of this division, but it’s currently Pirates who have the edge via goal difference. Pirates recently knocked off 5th placed Gawler 2-0, and Uni narrowly edged Seaford 1-0. There is quality throughout both sides, Augustus Williams has 8 goals in 11 games for Pirates. Sam Bowman us Uni’s goal-threat, scoring 7 in 10.
Modbury Vista v Vipers
Vista did not take their chance to acquire points last week, as they were downed by fellow bottom-dwellers Northern Demons. They currently sit 11th, so they can only go up from here. Vipers are operating within a totally opposite narrative, they are surging up the table – if they continue in this vein, they should be a real chance to go straight back up to the second division.
Pontian v Cove
Pontian host Cove this weekend, in a clash that both sides will desperately want to win to impose themselves on the top six. Anthony Dimas has been absolutely astonishing for the Eagles, netting 16 goals this season with the next closest scoring 8. If he is firing, Pontian are well on their way to edging Cove and re-staking their claim in the top six.
Seaford v Noarlunga
Seaford play host to Noarlunga in this week’s Southern derby, which is yet another game with direct ramifications on the top six. Rangers sit in 9th and Noarlunga in 6threspectively. A win for Seaford could see them climb into 8th, and a Noarlunga win could land them as high as 4th.
Mt Barker v Gawler
Mt Barker’s new complex was supposed to be the spark that ignited their resurgence and improvement as a club, this resurgence got off to a rough start to say the least – as the Crusaders were beaten 8-0 by Vipers. They face another uphill battle in Gawler, who are coming off a loss to Pirates and will be chomping at the bit to make up for this with a big win.
Salisbury v Northern Demons
Salisbury are in a great spurt of form, coming off a 5-0 drumming of 8th placed Cove – which sees them hold onto 3rd. Demons are also coming off a win over Vista, but they only climbed as high as 10th. Salisbury are the favourites, and they must win to stay within touching distance of the top two. With Pirates and Uni facing off, this is a great opportunity for Salisbury to gain some ground on one or even both of those sides.