State League One
Cobras and White City are kicking off this week’s State League action with a 12th versus 1st Friday night fixture. Cobras showed a short glimpse of improvement but were given a brutal 5-1 reality check last week by Western Strikers. White City on the other hand are coming off a victory over Birkalla which has further cemented their position at the top, as well as their dominance thus far. It really is a tale of two totally differing seasons, and Cobras will have their work cut out for them if they’re to get back on track.
The Hawks Nest is this week playing host to a blockbuster at the lower end of the table. Adelaide Hills sit in 9th, precariously above this week’s opponents West Adelaide who sit in 10th. Both sides are suffering a lack of form and will be ever so desperate to shake off the shackles and propel themselves upwards on the table.
This game will be interesting, Playford versus Para Hills in a top-six Northern derby. Patriots are flying, and their form has carried them to 2nd place – just two points off White City in 1st. Knights have had a mixed bag of results, but a recent run of wins has put them back within finals contention – they come into this one in 6th. Playford’s 5-1 demolition of Hawks denotes a team that isn’t slowing down. Para Hills edged a 1-0 win over strugglers Eastern United and will undoubtedly have to put in a strong performance if they are to take points from this week’s opponents.
Adelaide Victory still sits in 5th but are coming off a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Modbury Jets. Strikers managed to put an end to a bad run of results by overseeing Cobras 5-1 – and in doing so put themselves up to 7th. A home-win for Victory could see them climb as high as 3rd whilst a Strikers win could see them up to 4th.
Fulham answered their critics last week with a 3-0 statement over Hellas. Their form up until that game was exceptionally lacklustre, but with their win, they acquire some much-needed momentum and climb up out of relegation and into 8th. Jets are solid as usual; they’re currently sitting in 3rd and are coming off an impressive win over Victory. Fulham will be looking to build on last week’s result and put some distance between themselves and the dreaded relegation spots, whereas Jets have a chance to claim top spot if results go their way.
Birkalla were unfortunate not to come away with a win over White City, such a result would have had them top of the pile. Nonetheless, they have a chance this week against 11th placed Eastern United to relay their claim as the best team in the competition.
State League Two
The pick of this week’s state league two action sees 3rd placed Salisbury travel to 4th placed Noarlunga. Both sides are coming off disappointing results, with Noarlunga failing to secure all three points against a struggling Cove outfit, while Salisbury are coming off a defeat to Adelaide Uni. A win would see Noarlunga up to 3rd, whilst a Salisbury win could see them up to 2nd if results fall their way.
Adelaide Uni are having an impressive season, and are going from strength to strength in terms of their promotion credentials. Last week’s win over Salisbury showed they have what it takes to win the big games, and another big win against 7th placed Pontian Eagles could see them leapfrog Pirates in 1st.
Vipers have found themselves in a good run of form, with back-to-back wins and 12 goals to their name in said wins. This momentum will truly be put to the test by league leaders Port Adelaide – who are coming off a draw to Modbury Vista.
Gawler’s win over Pontian has landed the Eagles in 6th spot. Their opponent, Seaford Rangers, are coming off a loss and sit in 8th. A win for Gawler could see them climb as high as third, whilst a Seaford win could propel them into the top six.
Cove and Northern Demons have both struggled this season, they sit 9th and 10th respectively. However, both teams are coming off positive results; with Cove scrapping a point off of a good Noarlunga side, whilst Demons demolished Mt Barker. A win would be huge for either side, as it would put some much-needed distance between themselves and relegation.
Modbury Vista have surprised everyone with their poor start to the year. This week they face another side emersed in struggle, Mt Barker. The 11th vs 12th fixture could provide a positive moment in a season to forget for both clubs.