Round 4 National Premier League Preview
Cumberland United v Campbelltown City
South Australia National Premier League Round 4
When: Monday, March 10th. Kick-off 3pm
Where: A.A. Bailey Reserve, Winona Avenue, CLARENCE GARDENS
Teams:
Cumberland United: J. Davis, J. Donk, J. Easton, J. Ebert, B. Eustance-Smith, B. Grayson,
J. Harding , J. Harvey, R. Lippett , B. Menadue, K. Osborne, N. Panozzo GK, T. Parks, T. Rutter,
J. Schoen, L. Schoen RGK
Campbelltown City: T. Dama, L. Ditroia, L. Farquhar, M. Graham, J. Halliday, N. Harpas RGK, T. Hatzis, S. Isabel, S. Maio, M. Matricciani, T. Mcsorley, M. Moore, M. Paleka, V. Parhas,
W. Russell, O. Totani, R. Townsend
Form:
Cumberland United: W D L
Round 1: Western Strikers 1-2 Cumberland United, Carnegie Reserve
Round 2: Cumberland United 0-0 MetroStars, A.A Bailey Reserve
Round 3: Raiders 2-1 Cumberland United, Croatian Sports Centre
Campbelltown City: L W W
Round 1: Campbelltown City 1-2 Adelaide Blue Eagles, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Round 2: South Adelaide 1-2 Campbelltown City, O’Sullivan Beach Sports Complex
Round 3: Campbelltown City 2-1 White City, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Preview:
While Cumberland United look to strike back following a weekend defeat, Campbelltown City are gathering momentum ahead of the Round 4 South Australia National Premier League clash at A.A Bailey Reserve on Monday.
The Foxes suffered a last-gasp 2-1 loss against Raiders on Saturday, having earlier taken the lead through Brad Grayson.
Captain Robby Lippett is looking for a quick response.
“It was disappointing to lose as we did. We weren’t happy with the result or the performance,” Lippett stated.
“We took our foot off the gas and let Raiders back into the game. We thought we could be on more points than what we have now and we need to bounce back immediately.”
The Foxes have experienced a mixed start to the season. Following an opening round triumph at Western Strikers they played out a scoreless draw with MetroStars, before the loss on the weekend.
They face another tough challenge against the reigning champions and Lippett says they have prepared for the quick turnaround between games.
“We thought we could be on seven points at this stage of the season,” Lippett admitted.
“But we go to Campbelltown aiming for all three points. We’ve made sure we did the right things to recover quickly from Saturday, the players were under strict orders.
“We know Campbelltown can play. They’ll come at us, they can run a game and have quality players in the squad such as Michael Matricciani and Tony Hatzis.”
Campbelltown earned their second win in succession, a last-minute triumph over White City on Saturday. Captain Vas Parhas opened the scoring, before Tommas Dama’s dramatic 94th minute winner.
Parhas says the Red Devils are starting to build momentum.
“It was a fairly even game with few chances. I thought we were a bit unlucky to concede, but we were happy to snatch it at the end,” noted the captain.
“It’s good to get the two wins. You have to earn the points, there are no easy games. We aren’t at our best, but are creating momentum.”
Joe Mullen’s side added to their win over South Adelaide and now sit in fifth position on the Premier League table, one of three sides on six points.
Parhas is aware Campbelltown are not yet at their best and is expecting a battle against the Foxes.
“It’s still really early and we haven’t hit our straps yet. You could say we’re a bit clunky, but it will come with time. We are getting better. The workrate, the effort and the character is there. That is pleasing.
“Cumberland are going from strength to strength. They work very hard, are solid at the back and have speed in the team. They’re at home and will be tough to beat.”
Elsewhere on Monday, West Torrens Birkalla are looking to bounce back from a weekend defeat as they face Raiders at Jack Smith Park.
Birkalla’s opening to the campaign has been inconsistent, with their solitary win sandwiched between two defeats. Raiders remain unbeaten after recording their first win of the term in thrilling fashion last Saturday.
South Adelaide are still searching for their first win as they welcome Adelaide Blue Eagles to O’Sullivan Beach Sports Complex.
The Panthers have gone down in two close encounters following a first-up draw, most recently against West Adelaide. Blue Eagles returned to the winners list with an emphatic win at Adelaide City.
Adelaide Comets and Western Strikers meet at Santos Stadium, with both sides yet to register any points.
Comets sit bottom following a trio of three-goal losses, including a defeat against Para Hills on Saturday. Strikers have been closer to the mark, but have been on the wrong end of three close results to date.
Para Hills are seeking consecutive victories as they welcome a wounded Adelaide City to The Paddocks.
The Knights enjoyed a comfortable win on the weekend - their second of the season - while the black and whites were comprehensively beaten by Blue Eagles on their own turf and will be aiming to strike back quickly.
White City remain winless after three matches and welcome in-form West Adelaide to Frank Mitchell Park.
The Warriors experienced a last-minute loss against Campbelltown in Round 3, their first reverse of the season. Ross Aloisi’s side have enjoyed a fantastic start to the campaign, winning their past two matches to sit second.
League leaders Croydon face a difficult challenge against MetroStars at Polonia Reserve.
The Kings are the only side to record three victories in as many matches to start the year, following their success versus Western Strikers. MetroStars also won on the weekend, as two first half goals gave them the points against Birkalla. It was their first win.
Monday March 10
West Torrens Birkalla v Raiders
3pm - Jack Smith Park, Morphett Road, NOVAR GARDENS
South Adelaide v Adelaide Blue Eagles
3pm - O'Sullivan Beach Sports Complex, Galloway Road, O'SULLIVANS BEACH
Adelaide Comets v Western Strikers
3pm - Santos Stadium, Railway Terrace, MILE END
Para Hills v Adelaide City
3pm - The Paddocks, Bridge Road, PARA HILLS
White City v West Adelaide
5pm - Frank Mitchell Park, Minns Street, WOODVILLE WEST
Croydon v MetroStars
7pm - Polonia Reserve, Essex Crescent, CROYDON PARK
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