Adelaide City claimed its third straight victory with a 2-0 win against Raiders in Round 17 of the Premier League at the Croatian Sports Centre on Saturday.
Adelaide City claimed its third straight victory with a 2-0 win against Raiders in Round 17 of the Premier League at the Croatian Sports Centre on Saturday.
Jonathan Negus opened the scoring just before the half-hour mark with an effort from distance, while Matthew Mullen extended the lead via the penalty spot.
Raiders have slid to ninth following the defeat and Coach Branko Milosevic concedes Adelaide City were the better side.
“It wasn-t a bad performance seeing we had a lot of youngsters out there, but Adelaide City were better overall,” he said.
“We can-t seem to score goals. At the start of the season we scored freely, now we are struggling. We have to dig deep and work hard to turn things around. Now is the time for the players to show their personality.”
City moved up to fifth but Mullen said the black and whites are not thinking about the Finals just yet.
“We were very solid and kept our defensive shape, which allowed us to attack in numbers. Once we scored we defended well,” he said.
“That was our third straight win and we aim to keep it going. Winning adds to the confidence and we want to use it as momentum.
“We haven-t really spoken about Finals, but just want as many points as possible. If we do that we-ll find ourselves in the top six.”
The home side started brightly, but City settled and then netted. Joel Allwright found Negus, who unleashed a rocket from outside the penalty area that ended in the top corner.
Raiders came close through Adrian Macolino, who beat his marker but hit the crossbar just before the interval.
A mistake from goalkeeper Daniel Atkins presented Anthony Costa with a chance, but he too hit the crossbar.
Atkins was substituted for Nick Ewers and his first involvement was conceding a penalty which Mullen coolly converted to seal victory for City.
Elsewhere, Campbelltown City climbed to second position with a 3-1 victory over Cumberland United at Bailey Reserve on Saturday.
The Foxes took the lead through Gianni Francisco, but Calvin Mbarga and a Michael Matricciani double gave Campbelltown maximum points.
Adelaide Cobras stunned Adelaide Blue Eagles with a 1-0 victory at Marden Sports Complex, a result which sees Blue Eagles drop to third, while Cobras are clear of the relegation zone thanks to Sherwin Emmanuel-s second half goal.
Croydon and Western Strikers shared the points at Polonia Reserve on Saturday after a 1-1 draw.
Shaun McGreevy gave the home side a second half lead, but Strikers equalised late through Ermias Haile.
West Torrens Birkalla remain fourth after edging past Enfield City 2-1 at Rushworth Reserve.
Scott Nagel and Adam LeCornu scored either side of Nathan Sette-s goal, keeping Birkalla on track for the Finals.
MetroStars returned to the winners list with a resounding 4-0 triumph over Adelaide Comets at Santos Stadium.
David Menechella, Perry Mitris, Liam Wooding and Matthew Deegan were on target as MetroStars halted a two-game losing run.
A dominant second half has given Para Hills a 4-2 victory over White City at Frank Mitchell Park on Saturday night.
Lachlan Barr and Robert Macdonald scored for the home side while Tom Blackett, David Wadey, Michael Mullen and Jacob Williams were all on target for Para Hills who go to eighth.
Image: Adam Butler