Second half goals from Yvan Boyokino and Liam Molesworth gave Adelaide Blue Eagles a decisive 2-0 victory over MetroStars.
Second half goals from Yvan Boyokino and Liam Molesworth gave Adelaide Blue Eagles a decisive 2-0 victory over MetroStars in Round 15 of the Premier League at TK Shutter Reserve on Saturday.
Blue Eagles extended their winning run to seven matches and halted the league leaders club-record winning streak at 10 games, while closing the gap between the two sides to six points.
Blue Eagles coach Vojo Gluscevic was pleased with what he described as a disciplined performance.
“It was a really good game for us. We were solid, disciplined and all the guys worked hard from the front to the back,” he said.
“I thought we were hungrier and also created good chances, while scoring two great goals. MetroStars had a few chances but we stopped them in the middle of the park.”
“It was a great win for our confidence and group unity. But it is still too early to talk about finishing in first place.”
MetroStars coach Ivan Karlovic admits his side were below par, but is not worried.
“That was probably our worst performance of the year. From the first minute the guys weren-t switched on mentally. We were well below par,” he said.
“We didn-t work hard enough and came up against a side who wanted it more. We won-t read too much into it, this is one poor game in 15.”
In a tight first half of few clear-cut chances, Boyokino was denied by Daniel Godley when clear on goal, while Perry Mitris struck the woodwork just before the interval.
The visitors took a deserved lead midway through the second half with Boyokino exchanging passes with Kym Harris, before bringing the ball under control and unleashing a volley past Godley.
Molesworth made the points safe in the 88th minute when he danced through the MetroStars defence and slotted his shot past the keeper.
Elsewhere, Cumberland United has climbed into the top six following a 2-0 victory over Adelaide Cobras at A.A Bailey Reserve on Saturday.
Alex Rideout and Valentino Yuel were on the scoresheet as the Foxes netted in either half, moving up to fifth position, while Cobras remain 13th.
Two second half goals gave West Torrens Birkalla maximum points against Raiders at Jack Smith Park.
Justin Bralic found the net against his former club with David Thornton also getting on the score sheet. Birkalla remain fourth, while Raiders drop to seventh on goal difference.
Enfield City enjoyed their second successive victory with a 3-0 win over Croydon at Rushworth Reserve.
Aaron Acton, Anthony Orlando and Sam Monteleone were on target for the Falcons whileCroydon were hampered by a first-half red card.
Campbelltown City returned to the winners list with a 3-1 win against Western Strikers at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre.
Calvin Mbarga opened and closed the scoring, with Dion Kirk netting the home side-s second. Adrian D-Alfonso briefly drew Strikers level as they ended the game with nine players following two send-offs.
A strong second half gave Adelaide City a win 3-0 against Para Hills at The Paddocks.
The teams were level at the interval, but goals from Anthony Costa and Joel Allwright, either side of an own goal, sealed the points and a place in the top six for City.
White City leapfrogged Adelaide Comets to take 11th position following a 2-1 victory at Frank Mitchell Park on Saturday night.
The Warriors moved to 15 points, two clear of the Comets thanks to first half goals from Nathan Bowden-Hasse and Lloyd Owusu. Matthew Bouraee scored a consolation for Comets.
Photo courtesy of Chris Kelly