In what was an open, end to end contest, both sides battled hard for the all-important three points but didn’t take their chances when presented.

However, young gun Stefan Simic popped up with the pivotal goal shortly before half time to ensure the Klemzig clubs impressive turn around in form continued.

Anthony Sologna was happy to see his side back in the top six, saying it was only a matter of time before MetroStars returned to the top half.

“Being in the top six is massive given where we were, but realistically it’s a minimum for us,” he said.

“We are used to being amongst the top positions and we always knew we would turn it around, it just came down to us putting in the hard work and believing in our system.”

Sologna said a buzz has returned to TK Shutter reserve but acknowledged that work still needed to be done.

“The feeling around the group is positive but everyone knows we haven’t achieved anything yet.

“We aren’t getting ahead of ourselves because all we have done is string a few wins together, but I believe if we keep improving as the season goes on we can climb the ladder even further and get a good run into finals.

On the other hand, Alex Cosmidis said it was “disappointing” that Raiders didn’t come away with anything after a positive performance.

“It ultimately cam down to a battle between the midfields, I think we held possession very well however we did lack quality going forward in our attacking third.

“Now it’s just a matter of identifying our weak points and correcting them at training, then eliminating them in our games.

“There was a lot of positives to take away from the game, we have a lot of support from the club and our supporters and as a team we are constantly working together to try and get those points, and I believe they will come.”

A six pointer for Raiders now awaits, as they take on Croydon Kings where a win will see Raiders lifted from the bottom of the ladder.

Cosmidis said his side have already turned their attentions to round 14.

“Every week is a massive game for us and we go into every game as if it was a cup final, this week is no different.

“A win this week would see us jump Croydon and get us off the bottom, it would be great to take the points and give back to our supporters that come every week, and especially reward the boys who give it their all week in and week out.”

Both sides came right out of the gate with attacking intent, but failed to apply the finishing touches when needed as it took until the 15 minute mark for a shot from either side to hit a shot on target.

Bailey Truscott and veteran Fabian Barbiero formed a formidable pair in the middle of the pitch for Metro, as they did well to link up the play and create chances.

Raiders began to rack up the pressure and forced Metro into making mistakes which allowed the visitors to hit them on the counter.

David Carosi and Yasmin Sudic threatened the home side, using their pace to get the better of the back four.

Raiders had a decent chance to break the deadlock from a dead ball situation, but Carosi’s shot curled just wide of the near post.

Seconds later, Metro were down the other end as Truscott played in Justin Davis with a clever through ball. Davis played it square to Simic with the easy finish to open the scoring.

Metro came out from the break the dominant side, but again could not apply the finishing touches to stretch their lead.

Substitute Tim Henderson found his way into a one on one situation with the keeper in what was probably the most clear cut chance of the game, but a last ditch tackle from a Raiders defender eliminated the danger. Shouts for a penalty were waved away by the referee.

Sensing that the game was slipping away, Raiders again racked up the pressure and threw caution to the wind in a desperate attempt to take a point, but it was to no avail as Metro held on. 

Written by Brendan Simpkins - @RealSimpkins