Scott Tunbridge goal inside the final 20 minutes gave MetroStars a 1-0 victory over White City in Round 18 of the Premier League.
A Scott Tunbridge goal inside the final 20 minutes gave MetroStars a 1-0 victory over White City in Round 18 of the Premier League at TK Shutter Reserve on Saturday.
The veteran-s strike increased MetroStars lead at the top to nine points, with nearest challenger Campbelltown City only managing a goalless draw with Adelaide City.
MetroStars coach Ivan Karlovic was happy to walk away with maximum points from a difficult match.
“We put in a solid performance in what proved a difficult game. White City played well but we did enough to get the result,” he said.
“They were tough to break down. It was a real midfield battle against a physical team. There were a few chances for either side and we got the goal required.”
“It was important to get the win with what was a solid performance, but our focus is solely on what we do. We cannot control what happens at other grounds.”
White City tactician Rob Saraceno was disappointed to not claim a share of the spoils.
“I thought we were good and handled ourselves well against the top side. In the end we were unlucky to not get a point,” he said.
“I was confident we could get something from the game. Before they scored we forced (Dan) Godley into some saves, even after the goal we did the same. We just couldn-t score.”
“If we play like this we-ll go a long way to avoiding relegation. It was positive, we created chances, but we must start converting.”
The only goal of the game arrived in the 71st minute as Tunbridge swept home a cross under the legs of the goalkeeper.
Elsewhere, West Torrens Birkalla closed in on second position with a hard-fought 2-1 win over Para Hills at Jack Smith Park on Saturday.
Michael DeBono-s strike, plus an own goal, saw Birkalla move to within two points of Campbelltown and Adelaide Blue Eagles. Michael Mullen was on target for the Knights.
Raiders claimed a much needed 3-2 victory against Western Strikers at Carnegie Reserve.
The win ended a run of three straight defeats, with Tony Cann, Shane Tobias and Brandon Reeves on target. Adrian D-Alfonso and Yasmin Sudic replied for the home side.
Two goals in each half helped Cumberland United to a crushing 4-0 victory against bottom-club Enfield City at Rushworth Reserve.
Alex Rideout netted a brace, with strikes from Alex Capel and Jonathan Rideout sealing the result. The Foxes are now four points clear in sixth position.
Adelaide Blue Eagles eased to a 4-0 win against Adelaide Comets at Santos Stadium.
Kym Harris was on target with a double, while Mitch Nicholson and Luigi Di Troia also found the net ending a two-game losing run.
Neither Campbelltown City or Adelaide City could land the killer blow at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre with the match ending goalless after Adelaide City-s Nicholas Bucco going closest inside the opening two minutes when he hit the post.
Croydon claimed a crucial 1-0 win against Adelaide Cobras at Weigall Oval on Saturday.
Shaun McGreevy struck after half-time to keep the Kings within touching distance of the top six. They move away from the relegation zone, while Cobras remain four points clear of the bottom two sides.
Image by Chris Kelly