State League One
West Adelaide dropped another two points this weekend, as a spirited Birkalla continued to put their season back on track. The pulsating 3-3 draw was kickstarted by Tyreece Conway in the 11th minute then with Ricardo Da Silva responding for the away side in the 26th. The second half saw Birks take the lead again in the 46th, however they submitted this lead four-minutes later with an own goal. Hellas looked destined to steal the points as Yasmin Sudic grabbed a goal in the 72nd. However, Calvin Mbarga had other ideas; scoring a 90th minute equaliser that will leave West Adelaide bitterly disappointed.
A reoccurring question, who is going to stop Sturt? Victory the most recent team unable to do so. The 3-1 score line was a fair reflection of a strong Lions performance, although Victory did have their moments. Gonzalo Rodriguez was in amongst it as always, grabbing a brace in the early stages of the first half. Sturt maintain top position and Victory remain firm in ninth.
Fulham and Playford looked set to play out a sleepy 0-0 draw, however Playford did what they always seem to do; and grabbed a very late winner. As common as these winners are, Daniel Ryan being the one to administer them has been equally common. With this result Playford hold onto fifth, as United still sit in tenth; just four points off relegation.
South Adelaide kept the pressure on Sturt and built on their lead on West Adelaide. Beating Strikers, who are once again suffering a dip in form, 3-1. Rideout was the man once again, scoring a brace with a goal in each half. Pegoraro also grabbed one, and this goalscoring combination has been reoccurring for Panthers, who still sit in second place.
White City responded to last week’s result with a well-worked 3-0 win over Vipers. Harley Gepp and Karl Phelps both converted in the first half, and Stefan Simic sealed the deal in the 88th. Vipers are still struggling in eleventh, as White City hold onto fourth.
Adelaide Hills showcased their vigour once again, coming from behind to get past Seaford at the Nest. After a strong start through Oliver Grant, Hawks looked shaky and two quick goals from Joey Taylor and Jumar Oakley in the 36th and 39th respectively, had the Rangers surging at half time. It took some time, but Hills found their groove once again, as James Lenzi balanced the score line in the 62nd. Unfortunately for Seaford, their meagre run of form continues; as Kyle Markham sealed the deal for Hawks in the 83rd.
State League Two
Dominic Mattriciani was amongst the goals again, however Adelaide Uni weren’t good enough to take points from the dreaded Northern Demons away fixture. Christopher Annese got the home side up and running in the 25th, with Ben Sciancalepore banging a goal in the 85th to secure the win.
Cove are determined to hold onto their top six place, mauling Pontian Eagles 5-0. A Jacob Moon brace inspired the dominant display, moving them above Adelaide Uni. This ascension in form will be truly tested this weekend coming, as Cove take on Pirates.
Pirates are also putting together good performances as of late and will be looking to make a deep run into the finals series. Running over Salisbury 4-1, courtesy of goals from Allchurch, Coley, Skeffington and Pearce.
Eastern continued their push for top spot, courtesy of a Kirill Gretchko hattrick. United went up 5-0, with Mt Barker responding with two goals from Tomas Ellis late in the game. The 5-2 result sees the Crusaders hold onto bottom and Eastern still nipping at the heels of Vista.
Modbury Vista were impressive again, overcoming in-form Noarlunga 3-0. McLaughlin, Kaye and Marchioro all converted; taking Marchioro’s season tally to eight. Vista hold on to first, two points ahead of Eastern. Noarlunga are still in the finals frame, as they sit in eighth.
Gawler have had a great season but have struggled in the big games against the top sides. If this trend continues, they will partake in a very short finals run. Cobras rolled through and came away 4-1 winners. Andrew Orphanou scored a brilliant hattrick, sending his team to third place.
