Round 23 National Premier League Preview - Campbelltown City v MetroStars
Campbelltown City v MetroStars
South Australia National Premier League Round 23
When: Saturday, July 26th, Kick-off 3pm
Where: Steve Woodcock Sports Centre, Stradbroke Road, NEWTON
Teams:
Campbelltown City: T. Dama, D. Defazio, M. Graham, J. Halliday, J. Handley, N. Harpas, S. Harvey, T. Hatzis, S. Maio, M. Marino, A. Masone, M. Matricciani, T. Mcsorley, J. Monaco, M. Moore, M. Paleka, V. Parhas, O. Totani, R. Townsend
MetroStars: F. Barbiero, R. Callisto, M. D Aloisio, L. D'Arrigo, M. Deegan, D. Godley, S. Grelli, D. Menechella, P. Mitris, L. Robertson, A. Solagna, T. Theodorou, S. Tunbridge, A. Van Dommele
Form:
Campbelltown City: L L W
Round 20: Adelaide Comets 5-1 Campbelltown City, Santos Stadium
Round 21: Campbelltown City 0-2 Para Hills, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Round 22: Western Strikers 0-2 Campbelltown City, Carnegie Reserve
MetroStars: W W W
Round 20: Western Strikers 0-3 MetroStars, Carnegie Reserve
Round 21: Adelaide City 0-2 MetroStars, Adelaide City Park
Round 22: MetroStars 2-0 Raiders, TK Shutter Reserve
Preview:
While MetroStars marches towards the finals, Campbelltown City’s place in the top six is not assured ahead of the Round 23 South Australia National Premier League meeting at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Saturday.
Campbelltown got their campaign back on track last weekend, the victory over Western Strikers just their second in ten matches.
Michael Matricciani admits it was the win they needed.
“It was a good, solid performance. I think we played well with a few adjustments made from recent games,” he said.
“We have been underperforming, so hopefully the momentum from that win carries through the final weeks of the season. We have the players to make a big dent in this league.”
The Red Devils are currently goal difference outside the six, suffering a ten goal swing compared to Adelaide City. They have a tough finish and after facing MetroStars meet Raiders, City and West Adelaide.
Yet Matricciani says this could be a blessing.
“We are looking forward to it. Playing against the ‘top’ teams we seem to rise to the challenge. And if we make the finals, we’d have to play these sides.
“MetroStars have proven this year they are the best team. It will be a good challenge.
“We’ve been working on our defensive structure lately and the key is to limit chances to the opposition and make the most of ours in attack.”
MetroStars win against Raiders was their 11th straight triumph and saw them move six points clear of the chasing pack.
Lee Robertson says the message from Coach Ivan Karlovic is to keep going.
“We got the job done. The conditions were tough and Raiders came out at us, so it was good to get the points,” the defender stated.
“Ivan’s not looked to change much. His message is to continue doing the simple things and to keep up the work rate.
“Everybody is fit and firing and we feel we’re in a good position. At this stage we have a full squad, which is nice heading towards the finals.”
Like the Red Devils, the league leaders have a difficult conclusion to the minor round – including contests with Adelaide Blue Eagles and West Adelaide.
Robertson says that starting with Campbelltown, the 2012 champions can show they are a force to be reckoned with.
“Certainly it’s a tough run home. This is the business end of the season and if we want to be one of the best we have to show it.
“Playing Campbelltown is always huge for both clubs, always a big contest. They’ll come out hard and so will we.”
Elsewhere on Saturday, Cumberland United are in a must-win situation against West Torrens Birkalla at A.A Bailey Reserve.
The Foxes are five points from safety with just four games remaining after last week’s draw, but a win for Birkalla can ensure they secure their Premier League status.
Adelaide City and Raiders are engulfed in the battle for sixth as they clash at Adelaide City Park.
City currently hold the last finals position – but only on goal difference after drawing with Cumberland. Raiders are five points back and need to win to remain a chance of claiming the place.
Both West Adelaide and Western Strikers are in need of maximum points at Adelaide Shores Football Centre.
Paul Pezos’ side dropped to fourth following their draw with Para Hills, but are only a point from second. Six points adrift from safety, Western Strikers cannot afford anymore slip-ups if they are to avoid relegation.
Adelaide Blue Eagles are eyeing second position as Para Hills aim for survival at Marden Sports Complex.
Last week’s win at Santos Stadium was Blue Eagles ninth consecutive match undefeated as they sit goal difference behind Croydon. The Knights are five points ahead of the drop zone and can all-but secure their spot with a seventh win this term.
South Adelaide will be hoping to end the season on a positive note when they face finals bound Adelaide Comets at O’Sullivan Beach Sports Complex.
The Panthers are without a win in seven as they look to secure safety and begin building for 2015. The Comets are nestled in fifth spot, aiming to reach the finals in good form.
White City can still make the top six, while Croydon are in pole position for second ahead of the match at Frank Mitchell Park.
The Warriors remain in the hunt for the finals, but last weekend were hammered by Birkalla. Croydon lead Blue Eagles in goal difference, having picked up 13 points from 15 available recently.
Saturday July 26
Cumberland United v West Torrens Birkalla
3pm - A.A. Bailey Reserve, Winona Avenue, CLARENCE GARDENS
Adelaide City v Raiders
3pm - Adelaide City Park, Corner Fosters Road & Hilltop Drive, OAKDEN
West Adelaide v Western Strikers
3pm - Adelaide Shores Football Centre, West Beach Road, WEST BEACH
Adelaide Blue Eagles v Para Hills
3pm - Marden Sports Complex, Lower Portrush Road, MARDEN
South Adelaide v Adelaide Comets
3pm - O'Sullivan Beach Sports Complex, Galloway Road, O'SULLIVAN BEACH
White City v Croydon
5pm - Frank Mitchell Park, Minns Street, WOODVILLE WEST
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