Raiders v MetroStars 
South Australia PlayStation4 National Premier League Round 5 

When: Monday, March 9th. Kick-off 3pm 
Where: Croatian Sports Centre, State Sports Park, off Main North Road, GEPPS CROSS  

Teams: 

Raiders: 1 D. Chamberlain, 11 M. Debono, 23 N. Fleetwood, 13 S. Gannon, 5 E. Haile, 14 Y. Jamal, 10 E. Kamsoba, P. Karittevlis, 19 F. Kido, 12 J. O'Doherty, 7 D. Pickert, 2 C. Pounendis, 4 D. Pritchard, 21 M. Saric, 15 J. Stephens 

MetroStars: 18 F. Barbiero, 3 S. Cali, 8 R. Callisto, 22 S. Campagnale, 14 A. Cosmidis, 7 M. D Aloisio, 4 M. Deegan, 12 C. Esposito, 20 D. Godley, 9 S. Grelli, 2 D. Menechella, 10 P. Mitris, 16 A. Orphanou, 1 C. Piantadosi, 19 J. Polisena, 6 A. Solagna, 23 T. Theodorou, 11 S. Tunbridge, 21 A. Van Dommele, 15 L. Wooding 

Form: 

Raiders: D L L  

Round 1: Raiders 2-2 White City, Croatian Sports Centre 
Round 3: Raiders 1-2 West Adelaide, Croatian Sports Centre 
Round 4: Para Hills 4-3 Raiders, The Paddocks 

MetroStars: W D D  

Round 2: MetroStars 1-0 Adelaide Comets, TK Shutter Reserve 
Round 3: MetroStars 0-0 Campbelltown City, TK Shutter Reserve 
Round 4: West Torrens Birkalla 1-1 MetroStars, Jack Smith Park 

Preview: 

Both Raiders and MetroStars see Monday’s Round 5 South Australia PlayStation4 National Premier League encounter at the Croatian Sports Centre as a must win game to get their respective campaigns running. 

Raiders were on the wrong end of a thrilling contest with Para Hills on Friday, losing 4-3. It continued a winless start to 2015, with only one point collected in three matches. 

Coach Carl Maynard was incensed with the defeat. 

“I can’t believe we lost. We were naive defensively and paid for it, but good going forward. It’s disappointing,” he said. 

“Results are concerning in that we are not getting the points. Our performances, with the exception of our defensive efforts, have been good. We have a few issues to fix at the back. 

“We are creating enough chances to win games, but have a soft centre. That we are creating the chances is the only silver lining.” 

Raiders suffered dual losses against MetroStars in 2014 and another loss would leave them near the foot of the table. 

Maynard says he is looking forward to a match between two sides who look to control possession. 

“It’s a big game on two fronts – one, we need points, and the other it’s MetroStars. 

“Both teams haven’t started too well and will be looking for a win. Hopefully we can get on top of them. 

“They are a side which likes to play good football it will be good to play against such a team. It should be an exciting game.” 

MetroStars were held to a second consecutive draw on Saturday, needing an equaliser inside the final 10 minutes from Steven Grelli to grab a share of the spoils with West Torrens Birkalla. 

Perry Mitris says MetroStars are not too worried despite a stuttering start to the campaign. 

“It was a disappointing result, I thought we could have got more than a draw,” the attacker noted. 

“We are not too concerned because MetroStars never starts off too well. We tend to pick up form as the season progresses. There are no panic stations on our part.  

“We will try to pick up points where we can.” 

MetroStars are currently mid-table, with only one win and three goals to their name from the opening four rounds. 

They face a Raiders side equally desperate to gain a victory and Mitris says that will make for an intriguing battle. 

“I think the results will come with added confidence. Once we start scoring goals we can get the ball rolling. We are creating chances but must be more clinical in the final third. 

“It’s a must win against Raiders. They are a good side and will be tough to beat.

“We need to get the points to gain in confidence.” 

Article by Luca Cetta - @l_cetta