MetroStars recorded its tenth consecutive win after a 2-1 victory over Adelaide City in Round 14 of the Premier League at Adelaide City Park on Friday night.
MetroStars recorded its tenth consecutive win after a 2-1 victory over Adelaide City in Round 14 of the Premier League at Adelaide City Park on Friday night.
All three goals came in the first half, with Perry Mitris opening the scoring for the visitors. Anthony Solagna netted the winner, minutes after Paul Radice drew the home side level.
MetroStars Coach Ivan Karlovic praised David Menechella in his 300th match and says the best is still to come.
“It was good to win for Dave, who has had a great season and has been a fantastic servant to the club,” he said.
“We did well, were dominant in the first half and could-ve scored more. I don-t think we were threatened too much and overall deserved to win.”
“But we-re not sitting on this win. The players know they have more to give and are challenging themselves. There-s always room for improvement, starting again next week in what will be a tough game against Blue Eagles.”
Adelaide City midfielder Joel Allwright conceded MetroStars were the better side, but is confident they can reach the Finals.
“We did alright in the first half, but improved after the break and could-ve grabbed an equaliser,” he said.
“They were probably the better side and looked dangerous whenever they went forward. Our form has been inconsistent and we need to finish our chances. We create enough of them each game. That will give us more confidence to push on.”
“We still believe in the championship. We-re confident we can make the top six. After that anything can happen.”
MetroStars took the lead inside the opening five minutes when Liam Wooding-s cross evaded goalkeeper Luke Ostybe, leaving Mitris to finishinto an empty net.
A speculative Radice drive from distance just after the half-hour was misjudged by MetroStars veteran keeper Daniel Godley, who spilled the ball into the net.
Two minutes later Ostybe again failed to claim a cross and Solagna was left with the simplest of finishes to make it 2-1.
MetroStars hit the post in the second half and despite a late flurry from City, the League leaders extended their winning run.
Elsewhere, Enfield City claimed its first win of the campaign with a shock 1-0 win over Western Strikers at Carnegie Reserve on Saturday.
Aaron Acton-s first half strike was enough to see the bottom-placed Falcons claim maximum points and close the gap on second-bottom Adelaide Cobras to four points.
A late goal gave Raiders a 1-0 success over rivals White City at the Croatian Sports Centre with Michael Doyle netting the winner in the final 10 minutes to send Raiders back into the top six and complete the season double over the Warriors.
Adelaide Blue Eagles won its sixth consecutive match with a slender 1-0 victory over traditional rivals Campbelltown City at Marden Sports Complex.
Liam Molesworth put Blue Eagles four points clear in second position with the only goal of the game before half-time.
Croydon had to come from behind to claim a point against Cumberland United at Polonia Reserve.
Jonathon Rideout gave the Foxes a half-time advantage, but Nathan Farrell ensured a 1-1 result with an equaliser.
A second half demolition gave Para Hills a crushing 7-1 win over Adelaide Comets at Santos Stadium.
The Knights scored five after the interval to claim maximum points.
Michael Mullen netted a hat-trick, Tom Blackett bagged a brace and Rhys Townsend and Matthew Marchioro also added their names to the scoresheet. Matthew Bouraee scored for Comets.
West Torrens Birkalla found the net twice after the interval to down Adelaide Cobras 2-0 at Weigall Oval.
Michael DeBono and Anthony Taylor were on target for Mike Barnett-s side, who move up to fifth place.
Image: Chris Kelly