State League One
First versus second always entails a sense of foreshadowing, an idea of what is to come vis a vis the finals series. In Sturt versus West Adelaide we saw a showcase of two unbelievable teams, perhaps with two different narratives; Sturt, ever the underdogs telling the world that they are an NPL club, not just a journey-team. Hellas have come with a different hunger themselves, trying to quash the doubt that an unexpected relegation had cast upon them.
This glimpse into the future did not disappoint, in fact, it was a cracking game that showcased the classic ebbs and flows of a state league fixture. Asad Kasumovic continued his scintillating form, the London lad put his team ahead in the 12th minute. West Adelaide looked comfortable and further capitalised on this comfort in the 23rd, through Nicholas Stefanopoulos. 2-0 down with less than half-an-hour to go, Sturt needed something special, or rather that special something. Lion’s prayers were answered with a swift two-goal response, as Toby Nelson and Samuel Voigt both converted in the 64th and 68th. From there the sides could not be split as Hellas’ fragile one-point lead at the top remains, for now.
The mercurial nature of this Birkalla side was once again on display for the world to see. A disapointing home-performance saw them lose 0-3 to league-dark horses, Playford. As disappointing a result this is for Birks, it is equally vindicating for the Patriots, who through another Daniel Ryan brace; sit in fourth place.
As with the game of the round, many were expecting a goal-fest between White City and South Adelaide. With prolific goal scorers within both their ranks, a 0-0 draw certainly would have left some scratching their heads. Both teams will be expecting to make up for lost time with White City coming up against Fulham, and Panthers against struggling Birkalla.
Seaford missed perhaps a chance to dig themselves out of almost certain relegation, losing out 0-3 to fellow strugglers Vipers, who were excellent and looked like a different side when compared to their recent form. Anderson and Theodoroulakes got on the board just before halftime, and Abdul Balamba sealed the game for his team in the 85th. Vipers will inevitably be looking to build on this performance; however, their path is blocked by Sturt. Could we see an upset that shakes up both ends of the table?
Adelaide Victory continued their poor run of form, giving up a lead and ultimately the game to a rampant Western Strikers. Given the sides were equal up until the 70th, one could suggest the scoreline was unflattering to the home side. In what was the story of the round; George Katsigiannis, the former Victory frontman, took matters into his own hands with a 4-minute brace to seal the game, much to the disappointment of his former team. Perhaps the Victory coach will have second thoughts about letting the Greek Maestro go. The match ended 5-2.
Adelaide Hills got the job done in a must-win game, overcoming Fulham 2-1 at the Hawks Nest. Two early goals from Callum Hutchins and Dan Hosking made it an uphill battle for United. This result gives Hawks some breathing room from the bottom end, they sit in 7th. Fulham have some cause for concern, they sit just a game away from the second relegation spot.
State League Two
With Vista still nipping at their heels, Eastern had to see of Salisbury, they did so with a less-from-convincing 2-1 win. Matthew Kemp saw himself score another goal, as did Aaron Acton in the 73rd. The result reaffirms Eastern’s position at the top, which they will be expected to continue for at least another week as they face Cove next week.
Another dominant Vista display saw them put-away Cove 4-1 at Newspot Stadium. Goals have been an avid feature of their campaign, scoring more than any other team in the league so far. Goals from Marchioro, Briggs, Evans and Butler were spread evenly across the match.
Pirates made the fateful trip up the Augusta Highway and managed to come away 3-2 winners. 3-0 up, Pirates suffered a scare as Northern Demons scored two late goals and looked set to complete the comeback. Nonetheless, Pirates held on and they also hold on to third spot.
Adelaide University were involved in yet another draw, their fifth of the campaign. The 2-2 draw with Gawler was still a promising result for the young club, as Gawler are expected to make a real run at promotion this year. Uni’s goals came from Harley Giles-Stubna and Taylor Martin in the first half and were counteracted with a Benny Kovadio brace for Gawler.
Noarlunga left it late to sneak-over Mt Barker, who until the 88th minute were destined to go two games unbeaten. Alas, Noarlunga secured the 2-1 Victory through a Leo Angove second-half brace
Pontian Eagles looked as if they wanted to make things right after a disappointing result last week and channelled this disappointment into a well-worked 1-0 win over Cobras. Hypax Huzivyiza banged a goal in the 21st minute, which has his team sitting in 8th going into round seven.
Words: Fin Dunford
Image: Sarah King