White City dominant, Vipers spoil the party | The State League Review | Round 11

State League One

White City’s reign of dominance continued over the weekend, as they overcame Adelaide Victory 2-0 in a strong home performance. It was the usual suspects in terms of goal scorers, with Markovic scoring in the 31^st, and Markham sealing the deal in the 91^st. Markovic’s first-half strike was a thunderous volley from a set-piece, Markham’s sealer was a by-product of Victory’s desperation and necessity to get forward – as everyone pushed high, a lofted through ball bypassed the Victory press, and Markham took his chance by slotting it into the bottom corner past Tryfopolous.

Para Hills will be bitterly disappointed as they threw away a 2-0 lead against Birkalla, eventually drawing 2-2. This tense top six clash lived up to the billing, and it sees Birkalla hold onto 3^rd and Para Hills 5^th. Ahmed set the tone for the Knights, kicking things off with a goal in the 10^th. Muradi gave Knights a buffer in the 61^st, after some exceptional wing-play from Ahmed – who found his colleague with an exquisite cross to the far post. In the 81^st minute it was Mbarga’s turn to make an impact, as he headed home from a corner. The Paddocks took a collective deep breath, as if they knew what was coming. In the 90^th minute, Plush converted yet another corner for Birks and stole a very important point for his side. Final score 2-2. 

Western Strikers bore the brunt of an injury time equaliser last week against Victory, this week it was their turn. In the dying seconds, a high ball found its way to Luongo who took a deft touch past the defender, and then sunk Fulham’s hopes with a well-taken volley. The 1-1 draw puts Strikers into 6^th after Victory’s loss, Fulham sit in 9^th. 

Modbury Jets hold onto second place with yet another convincing result, winning 4-0 over Adelaide Hills. It was a dominant display from start to finish, with Doyle opening proceedings with his 15^th minute strike, which was supplemented by Radice in the 33^rd. Conant’s second-half brace put this affair beyond any doubt, and condemned Hawks to 8^th place. 

West Adelaide finally stifled their run of losses and took home a valuable point against Playford. Patriots went 1-0 up through Acton in the 11^th, and it appeared as if this was to be another day out for Playford and another shortcoming for Hellas. However, West Adelaide stepped up and showed some grit, Moran’s 58^th minute goal giving his side a much-needed point.

State League Two

Vipers stormed through Mount Barker United at their showcase event on Saturday, with an 8-0 drumming. Barker’s defence may as well have been standing among the cattle, as they put up no fight against the rampant Vipers attack. Torres has been in excellent form for his side recently, he kickstarted the action with a goal in the 19^th. Karagiannis converted a penalty in the 35^th, the first half action was rounded off by another Torres strike in the 43^rd. Despite their already extensive lead, it was Vipers who came out of the gates in the second half with more intensity and desire. Georgakopoulos helped himself to a tidy hattrick and made his mark on the event, Ibrahim and Karagiannis also helped themselves to a goal. With this result Vipers climb into fourth place, finally reaping some tangible reward for their impressive form.

Salisbury’s campaign is going from strength to strength, with their ascendency to the top continuing with Saturday’s 5-0 demolition of Cove. Taylor and Macolino both helped themselves to a brace, putting Salisbury in a dominant position from the very start. Martyn finished proceedings with a goal of his own in the 90^th, putting Salisbury into 3rd and condemning Cove to 8^th.  

Port Adelaide needed to win to hold off Uni and maintain top spot, they did so with a 2-0 win over Gawler. Williams scored in the 20^th, and Coley in the 74^th – with this result, Pirates are still top of the pile, as Gawler slide into 5^th. 

Pontian and Noarlunga played out a tense 1-1 draw, which sees both sides hold onto 7^th and 6^th respectively. Foglia got Noarlunga up and running in the 52^nd but was cancelled out by Mead’s strike in the 73^rd. 

Northern Demons got another win, and in doing so, are now within reach of Seaford in 9^th. The 2-1 win over Modbury Vista was a six-pointer, as Vista sit directly below Demons. An own goal in the first half and a McAvoy strike in the 63^rd were the difference. 

Seaford continue to struggle as Adelaide Uni continue to succeed. It was a tough, gritty 1-0 win for the away side through an early Hiern penalty. Uni are equal top and miss out on first place on goal difference.