White City v Raiders
South Australia National Premier League Round 2

When: Friday, February 28th. Kick-off 8pm
Where: Frank Mitchell Park, Minns Street, WOODVILLE WEST

Teams:

White City: G.Pacillo, J.Negrean, S.Nakamura, M.Keens, S.Payne, J.Atkinson, S.Zekanovic, J.Crescitelli, I.Carmody, S.Semiz, M.Petkovic, A.Rastovac, A.Mosawee, D.Radojicic
N.Bowden-Haase

Raiders: M.Marchi, D.Pickert, J.Stephens, B.Reeves, N.Fleetwood, M.Saric, J.Elliott, D.Bakewell, M.Debono, E.Metanomski, D.Pritchard, S.Brennan, M.Stokes, J.O'Doherty, M.
Doyle, A.Macolino, K.Elvis, D.Avery, A.Stam

Form:

White City: D
Round 1: MetroStars 1-1 White City, TK Shutter Reserve

Raiders: D
Round 1: Raiders 1-1 South Adelaide, Croatian Sports Centre

Preview:

Traditional rivals White City and Raiders are seeking their first win this season when they clash in Round 2 of the South Australian National Premier League at Frank Mitchell Park on Friday.

Having finished tenth in 2013 on their top flight return, White City started the new campaign with a 1-1 draw at MetroStars. This was despite playing much of the game with 10-men.

Coach Rob Saraceno was impressed with his team’s efforts.

“I thought we were very strong and very disciplined. We went down a man early and were resilient to get the draw,” said the tactician.

“I was very pleased. Not many teams will go to TK Shutter and take points off MetroStars.”

The Warriors - who also made the Final of the Coca-Cola Federation Cup - were twice defeated by Raiders last season.

Saraceno says after a disjointed pre-season he is looking for greater consistency this campaign and is expecting a fierce tussle.

“We had an interrupted pre-season. Some players were injured, some away and others with Adelaide United. But we brought in new faces and are looking to build.

“I think Raiders will be a bit different to last year. It would be nice to beat them as it is a big game, but I am looking for consistency no matter who we face.

“It’s going to be a tough, but exciting game in front of a big crowd.”

Raiders were forced to recover from a goal down to claim a share of the spoils against newly promoted South Adelaide in the opening round.

Adrian Macolino praised the Panthers but admits they expected more.

“There was a big build-up as you would expect, but we were disappointed overall with the performance,” said Macolino.

“That’s not to take away from South Adelaide, who will be decent this season. We perhaps focused too much on what they would do and not on us.”

In 2013, Raiders - for the second season running - were knocked out in the first week of the Finals. They went down to eventual winners Campbelltown City and hope to be around the mark again.

Macolino says the club had a good pre-season, but is not reading much into past results against the Warriors.

“It was a pretty good pre-season. We made signings which improve the squad, with guys like Michael De Bono and Nathan Fleetwood offering flair, intelligence and experience.

“We are a different team with different strengths now. The philosophy has changed slightly; we’re more of a ball-playing team. The key will be to put training methods into practice.

“As usual, it will be a tough and hard-fought game. White City will make sure it’s a battle.”

Elsewhere, both Adelaide City and Adelaide Comets are hoping to notch their first win at Adelaide City Park on Friday.

The black and whites secured a last-gasp draw in the big clash with rivals West Adelaide to open the season. Comets started poorly, suffering a disappointing three-goal reverse against Croydon.

Cumberland United will be aiming to carry their 2013 form against MetroStars into the new season at A.A Bailey Reserve on Saturday.

The Foxes won all three meetings between the League and Cup against MetroStars last year. They downed Western Strikers last week, while MetroStars had to settle for a draw with White City.

West Torrens Birkalla and Western Strikers will be hoping to avoid successive defeats when they meet at Jack Smith Park on Saturday.

Birkalla went down by a single goal against Para Hills to start the year, while Strikers were hit by a quick one-two punch by Cumberland. Last term the sides shared a win apiece.

West Adelaide will aim to build on last week’s performance when they welcome Adelaide Blue Eagles to Adelaide Shores Football Centre on Saturday.

The State League Champions showed promise in their draw with Adelaide City. Meanwhile, Blue Eagles gained a small measure of revenge by winning the Grand Final rematch versus Campbelltown.

Croydon and Para Hills will be aiming to build on their Round 1 triumphs when they square-off at Polonia Reserve on Saturday.

The pair gained early momentum last week – the Kings dismantling Comets to sit atop the table at this early stage, while the Knights showed good signs as they overcame Birkalla.

South Adelaide enjoyed a positive Premier League debut and now welcome Champions Campbelltown City to O’Sullivans Beach Sports Complex on Sunday.

The Panthers played well in claiming a draw against Raiders and are happy to be off the mark. Campbelltown are not yet there, starting their title defence with a loss to Blue Eagles.


Friday February 28

Adelaide City v Adelaide Comets
7:30pm - Adelaide City Park, Corner Fosters Road & Hilltop Drive, OAKDEN


Saturday February 29

Cumberland United v MetroStars
3pm - A.A. Bailey Reserve, Winona Avenue, CLARENCE GARDENS

West Torrens Birkalla v Western Strikers
3pm - Jack Smith Park, Morphett Road, NOVAR GARDENS

West Adelaide v Adelaide Blue Eagles
7pm – Adelaide Shores Football Centre, West Beach Road, WEST BEACH

Croydon v Para Hills
7pm - Polonia Reserve, Essex Crescent, CROYDON PARK


Sunday February 30

South Adelaide v Campbelltown City
3pm - O'Sullivans Beach Sports Complex, Galloway Road, O'SULLIVANS BEACH