R13 Wrap: Adelaide Blue Eagles v Pirates

Adelaide Blue Eagles enjoyed a commanding 5-2 victory over Port Adelaide Pirates in Round 13 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia at Marden Sports Complex on Saturday.

Yvan Boyokino netted inside the opening five minutes, but Pirates hit back after half-time through James Coley. Kym Harris restored the lead from the penalty spot just before the hour mark, with Alemayo Kebede then grabbing a brace. Lewis Farquhar pulled one back, but Boyokino’s second rounded out the scoring.

Blue Eagles captain Chris Annicchiarico said emphasis was placed on executing the game plan for the entire match. 

“I thought we played quite well, especially in the first half. We knocked the ball around and were dangerous on the break. Overall we are pleased, it was just disappointing to have conceded two goals,” the defender noted.

“We could have been further ahead at the break. We were told at half-time to keep going. We had dropped off in the second half of games recently, so Gianluca [Lagati] wanted us to carry out our plan for the full 90.

“It’s a confidence booster after the draw with Raiders. We’re halfway through the season and well placed to go far this season.”

Port coach Derek Hall felt his side was beaten by a very strong attacking unit. 

“It was a very good game and we were beaten by a very good team,” Hall commented. 

“We were up against a very good attacking team, one which was well organised. We went down early, but were able to fight back to get the equaliser. The penalty took the wind out of our sails and Blue Eagles scored some good goals after that.

“We did look a bit tired towards the end after playing on Wednesday, but you can’t take anything away from Blue Eagles. I have no complaints.” 

The home side roared out of the blocks. Harris led a counter attack and after Kebede hit the post, he collected the rebound and squared for Boyokino to finish into an empty net. 

Harris was again the provider as Boyokino side-footed his attempt just wide of the far post. 

Matthew Dawber struck the crossbar from distance as Blue Eagles failed to make the most of their openings. 

Kebede thought he had scored when he rounded goalkeeper Issac Carmody, only for the ball to be cleared off the line. 

Five minutes into the second half Coley climbed highest to head in the equaliser off the underside of the bar. 

Yet moments after Carmody rushed out to deny Boyokino who was clear on goal, he was adjudged to have tripped Kebede after missing a cross. Harris thumped home the resulting penalty. 

In the 61st minute Harris’ pass around the corner played in Kebede, who chipped the goalkeeper to net the third. 

The No 13 got his second six minute later as a ricochet sent him through and he made no mistake. 

Farquhar curled in a fine goal for the Pirates with 10 minutes remaining, but it proved little more than a consolation. 

Boyokino added the icing on the Blue Eagles cake two minutes later with an acrobatic finish.

Article by Luca Cetta - @l_cetta




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