State League One
The game of the round certainly didn’t disappoint. First versus third, West versus South, and ultimately Rideout versus Vlassis. Both players grabbed braces in a 2-2 draw that had everything. The game witnessed many ebbs and flows, and Panthers seemed destined to finally close the ever-elusive gap that Hellas had previously lorded over them. However, West Adelaide showed grit and steely determination to equalise in the 89th; reinstating their 3-point advantage over Souths.
Victory’s impressive run of form continued over the weekend with a formidable 2-0 home win over Playford. Yet again youthful exuberance proved a valuable commodity, as AVFC locked horns with another promotion hopeful; and won. Eric Scardigno was amongst the goals once again; he and his teammates will be looking to back this up midweek against bottom-dwellers Seaford.
A scare for White City and heartbreak for Seaford at Frank Mitchell Park in a 3-2 win for the home side. You cannot afford to surrender leads in this league, and unfortunately for Seaford that is exactly what they did, twice. These three points would have been priceless, but Stefan Simic broke Rangers hearts by securing his brace, in the 91st minute.
Fulham showed some positive signs this week, both United and Strikers were looking to rectify poor runs of form. However, it was Strikers, a possible State League dark horse, who snatched the points with a 2-1 win fashioned by a last-minute Joseph Tripodi penalty.
Birkalla’s mercurial form has been a feature of the season, by beating some big teams and losing to some lesser teams; a sense of frustration is evident. This week Birks were able to channel this frustration into a comprehensive 3-1 win over Vipers, who are in serious danger of falling away at the bottom end of the league. Birks have another massive game coming up against White City: which Birkalla will we see this week?
Finally, Adelaide Hills and Sturt were set for a game that had all the hallmarks of an absolute classic under the floodlights. It was a tightly contested affair, and perhaps wasn’t the goal fest some were expecting. The defensive resolve of both teams was tested; however, it was Sturt who held out with a 1-0 win through J. Atkinson in the 60th.
State League Two
Modbury Vista ran riot over Adelaide Uni with a convincing 3-0 win. Up until the 80th minute Uni were still in the game, however a brace from Matthew Marchiorio in the 82nd followed by his brother, Marcus in the 89th put the result out of Uni’s reach. This result sees Vista just one point off Eastern in top spot.
Cove made it two wins on the trot with an impressive 2-0 win over Pirates. Strikes from Ben McLoughlin and Nicholas Sutherland did the job, and Cove’s impressive run of form sees them creep into that sixth finals spot.
Eastern and Noarlunga played out a dreary 0-0 draw at Athelstone. Eastern will see this as an opportunity missed to maintain the gap at the top and will look to make things right next week against fourth-placed Cobras.
Mount Barker couldn’t get the job done this week, as they were played off the park by the ever-improving Cobras. The 4-1 win was inspired by goals from Giovanni Papandrea 28', Steven Savino 51', Anthony Francesca 56’, and Dylan Pickert 67'.
Gawler turned things around with a resounding 4-1 away win to Salisbury. Goals from Baragomwa, Fofana and Taye showcased a return to form and a return to top-spot contention.
Northern Demons put in a rare poor home performance, losing out to Pontian Eagles 5-2. This was a huge win for Pontian, as they now sit in 8th looking for spot in the finals in their inaugural year in the Federation.
Words by Fin Dunford