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Local football action returned last night after a 2 week hiatus due to the recent State Government restriction, as MetroStars sky rocketed to the top of the table, with a 3-0 victory over Campbelltown City at TK Shutter Reserve last night in the National Premier League – SA competition.
The game was turned on its head in a five minute period, when MetroStars scored three times to claim their sixth win in their last seven matches.
MetroStars started the better of the two teams, with Tim Henderson and Fabian Barbiero going close to scoring in the first three minutes. The first half saw end to end action with both sides compiling the shots on goal, but neither side was able to break the deadlock.
Marc Marino came close to giving Campbelltown City the lead 10 minutes after half time, but his decent shot just went to the wrong side of the upright.
Trey Williams started to cause havoc for the MetroStars defence, taking a number of shots but Isaac Carmody made key saves to keep the home side in the game.
Christian Esposito gave MetroStars the lead when he blasted his shot past Nick Harpas in the 68th minute, scoring his 7th goal of the season.
A quick release from by Carmody found Alessio Melisi who beat Jake Halliday, and managed to round Harpas before slotting the ball into an empty net.
Moments later, Esposito’s run down the wing and into the box, found Fabian Barbiero free, who scored MetroStars’ third goal for the evening.
Meanwhile, State League 2 player Matthew Muscroft will play his 300th game today, as he fronts for Noarlunga United who take on Vipers at St Clair Oval. Chris Annese (Northern Demons and Daniel Pritchard (Modbury Jets) both are set to play their 200th game today.
National Premier League – SA
Round 16 Preview
Cumberland United vs South Adelaide
Sat 7 Aug - 3:00pm
Bailey Reserve, Clarence Gardens
Referee – Curtis Wordsworth
Head to Head - First Div League (1980-2021)
3 meetings (Cumberland 1 win, South Adel 1 win, Draws 1)
Head to Head - First Div League @ Bailey Reserve (1980-2021)
1 meeting (Draws 1)
Cumberland United host South Adelaide at Bailey Reserve, with both teams eager to secure three points after disappointing results in their last match. South Adelaide were up 2-0, but were unable to hold off Adelaide Olympic and the match ended 2-2, while Cumberland were outplayed from the start as they lost 3-0 to MetroStars.
It is the battle of the most fouls committed team (185 – Cumberland) vs the most fould won (189 – South Adelaide). South Adelaide last beat Cumberland in First Division league in Round 7, 2014.
Adelaide Comets vs Croydon
Sat 7 Aug - 3:00pm
SA Athletics Stadium, Mile End
Referee – Andrew Kite
Head to Head - First Div League (1980-2021)
19 meetings (Comets 8 wins, Croydon 8 wins, Draws 3)
Head to Head - First Div League @ SA Athletics Stadium (1980-2021)
8 meetings (Comets 4 wins, Croydon 3 wins, Draws 1)
Two teams looking for the win for different reasons, as Adelaide Comets welcome Croydon to SA Athletics Stadium today. Croydon secured a late draw with Adelaide United last round, but three points today are crucial for their relegation survival.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the table, Comets will be looking to continue their fine form, after their 3-0 win over Adelaide Croatia Raiders in Round 13, with a win keeping them close to league leaders Adelaide City.
Croydon have the league’s best accuracy for shots at goal / shots on target, with 65%.
Sturt Lions vs Adelaide Croatia Raiders
Sat 7 Aug - 3:00pm
West Beach Football Centre, West Beach
Referee – Gary Mooney
Head to Head - First Div League (1980-2021)
1 meeting (Sturt 1 win)
Head to Head - First Div League @ West Beach (1980-2021)
First Meeting
Sturt Lions are on a four game undefeated streak and face a Croatia side who have been hot and cold over the past month.
Sturt announced the signing of former Adelaide United defender Michael Marrone during the week, and he will add much needed reinforcement in defence.
Adelaide Olympic vs Adelaide Blue Eagles
Sat 7 Aug - 6:00pm
Parks Football Centre, Angle Park
Referee – Stratos Plomaritis
Head to Head - First Div League (1980-2021)
33 meetings (Olympic 11 wins, Blue Eagles 18 wins, Draws 4)
Head to Head - First Div League @ Parks (1980-2021)
3 meetings (Olympic 1 wins, Blue Eagles 2 wins)
Adelaide Blue Eagles will be hoping that the much needed break could secure their first win for the season, as they tackle Adelaide Olympic at The Parks. Blue Eagles last outing delivered a 0-0 draw against title favourites Adelaide City.
Blue Eagles have won the last 7 of 10 First Division league matches against Olympic, although, Olympic have won 3 of the past 4 matches.
Olympic will be without defender Paul Wilson, who was sent off in their last match against South Adelaide.
Football Tasmania referee Stratos Plomaritis will officiate this match as part of an exchange program between the two states.
Adelaide United vs Adelaide City
Sat 7 Aug - 7:30PM
Jack Smith Park, Novar Gardens
Referee – Garry Powers
Head to Head - First Div League (1980-2021)
11 meetings (Adel Utd 1 win, Adel City 7 wins, Draws 3)
Head to Head - First Div League @ Jack Smith Park (1980-2021)
First Meeting
Top of the table Adelaide City will be keen to remain at the head of the ladder, when they travel to Novar Gardens to take on Adelaide United.
United will be missing a number of players who have either been released by the club or are taking a break before the new A-League team’s preseason commences.
Adelaide City have had the most shots at goal, with 196 shots, an average of 15 shots per match, while they have had the most shots on target with 98 shots, an average of 8 per match.
Adelaide City have won 7 of 11 First Division league matches against Adelaide United. Adelaide United only win over Adelaide City was early this year in Round 5.
Full league competition media kit for round 16 can be viewed here
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