State League One
Birkalla are back to winning ways, knocking off the in-form Strikers 2-1 away from home. Tyreece Conway, who is putting together a good season, bagged a first-half brace which set the win up for Birks. George Katsigiannas responded for Strikers in the second half, but the second goal was never to come. This result sees Strikers hold onto sixth spot, and Birkalla make some ground, moving into seventh.
Fulham have struggled as of late and knocking off South Adelaide was always going to be a herculean task. Alas, United fell 3-0, courtesy of Rideout doing his thing in the 33rd and 47th, and Jake Dowsett sealing the deal in injury time. The ever-elusive gap that Hellas have held for some time, has finally been closed. Panthers now sit in second, with a new, Sturt-inflicted gap forming.
As stated, West Adelaide dropped points in a simply massive game. White City have been consistent all year, and this consistency reached a crescendo with this brilliant away-performance. Stefan Simic grabbed yet another goal in the 25th, and Yuichi Hasegawa in the 39th. Beograd’s win has significant ramifications for the top six; Hellas drop to third and White City slot nicely into fourth.
In contrast, this next result also has large ramifications; this time for the bottom half of the table. Victory expunged whispers of a fall away from form, and won a seven-goal thriller against Seaford, 4-3. A hat-trick from Seaford’s Joey Taylor was certainly impressive, however goals from Talladirra, Ueda, Dello and Mason-Stephens were enough for Victory to secure the points and move away from the relegation spots.
Playford have had some tough fixtures in recent weeks, and they never stopped working in a 1-0 loss to table-toppers Sturt. The Lions are going from strength to strength, appearing as heavy promotion favourites with their recent form in mind. They shoot up to first, and Playford are still in the picture; sitting in fifth.
Adelaide Hills will be disappointed, conceding late to vipers in a 1-1 away draw. Kyle Markham put Hawks ahead in the 48th, but Jimmy O’Kello converted in the 86th for the home side. Both teams would have wanted to put some distance between themselves and the relegation zone, however the shared points leave Vipers in eleventh and Hawks in eighth on 17 points.
State League Two
Eastern got back to winning ways, and as such have kept the pressure on Vista. This was no walk in the park either, as Gawler always pose a threat, especially away from home. Nonetheless, goals from Acton and Chinen were enough to see off the Eagles 2-0.
Noarlunga have been kicking up a stroke of form recently, building on last week’s win and romping Northern Demons 6-1. Leo Angove, Noah Hocking, Stephen Hall and the Ebert boys all got on the board; and subsequently earned their team seventh spot; a point off top six.
Cove did not seem themselves this week, putting up no fight to a rampant Salisbury. United made the long drive worth their while, running over Cove 3-0. Tamba, Greaves and Pettit all converted for Salisbury, topping off a good week.
Mt Barker have been showing some promising signs of late. This goalscoring form needs to be turned into wins, and when it does, they will start to see their fortunes turn around. Nonetheless, three goals weren’t enough to see off top of the table Vista, who scored five of their own.
The Matricciani name and scoring goals have gone hand in hand in recent years. This time it was Dominic’s turn to run riot, as Adelaide Uni beat Pontian Eagles 3-1. Matricciani’s hattrick came very late, and it sees Uni hold on to a finals spot for the time being.
Pirates have been surging as of late, however Cobras were simply too good. Winning 4-2, courtesy of an Orphanou brace, and two goals from Tamburrino and Theodorou respectively.
