Two second half goals gave Adelaide Blue Eagles a 2-0 win against Adelaide Comets in Round 22 of the South Australia Premier League at Santos Stadium on Saturday. 

The strikes from Kym Harris and Yvan Boyokino came in a devastating 12-minute spell to push Blue Eagles up to third spot. 

Blue Eagles defender Chris Annicchiarico says the half-time talk helped them to victory.

“It was a tough game. We went in level at the break, but started the second half well and got the goals,” he said.

“We were told to keep calm, bide our time and take the chances when they come.

“The last few months have gone well for us. We are building towards the finals, but our main focus is on continuing to collect points.”

Comets Coach Jim Karatzas said his side started the second half in the wrong manner.

“It was a tight game, they were good at pressing us. We held our ground, then they got the goals and we had to come out,” he said.

We had chances, but unfortunately couldn’t take them. The boys tried hard, the work-rate was fantastic.

“After the break we came out to hold rather than attack. We didn’t play with the intensity we should have.”

Sheku Saccoh had Blue Eagles best chance of the first half, latching on to Harris cut-back from a corner, but his effort was cleared off the line by George Aslanidis.

Matthew Bouzalas’ shot deflected off a Blue Eagles leg and nearly looped in over Gino De Lucia, who was alert to the danger.

The visitors opened the scoring in the 49^th minute when Harris cut inside on his left foot and drilled a shot past Lucas Andreucci in the Comets goal.

Blue Eagles confirmed their dominance in the 57^th minute when Boyokino slotted in the second goal from a tight angle.

Comets may have dragged themselves back into the contest, but Davide Zerillo was denied by De Lucia’s outstretched arm, before Aslanidis’ angled drive went the wrong side of the post.

Boyokino’s driven cross was well hit by Harris, who was unfortunate to see it strike the woodwork with 17 minutes remaining.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Cumberland United and Adelaide City drew 1-1 at A.A Bailey Reserve.

The Foxes looked headed for a crucial victory when Robin Lippett opened the scoring, but City gained a share of the spoils thanks to a late Matthew Halliday equaliser.

Campbelltown City returned to the winners list with a 2-0 win over struggling Western Strikers at Carnegie Reserve.

A second half brace from Michael Matricciani gave the Red Devils just their second win in ten games. Strikers are bottom, six points from safety.

West Torrens Birkalla claimed an emphatic 5-1 win against White City at Jack Smith Park.

Birkalla are close to mathematical survival thanks to doubles from Tom Dittmar and David Thornton, as well as Paul Radice’s goal. Chad Bugeja netted a consolation strike.

Croydon climbed to second thanks to a 3-0 success against South Adelaide at Polonia Reserve.

Andreas Wiens grabbed the opening two goals, before Rocky Visconte’s late strike sealed the victory and second place for the Kings.

MetroStars claimed an 11^th win in succession with a 2-0 triumph over Raiders at TK Shutter Reserve.

Goals in either half from Adam Van Dommele and Matthew Deegan pushed Ivan Karlovic’s side closer to the minor premiership, now six points clear of the pack. Meanwhile, Raiders finals hopes took a dent.

Para Hills recovered from a goal down to draw 1-1 against West Adelaide at The Paddocks.

After a scoreless first half Tom Briscoe put the visitors ahead, but a goal just past the hour mark from Dylan Centrone means the Knights keep their five point gap to the relegation zone. West Adelaide dropped to fourth.