Anthony Costa starred as Adelaide City ran out convincing 4-0 winners against Campbelltown City in Round 11 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia at Adelaide City Park on Saturday. 

Costa opened the scoring in the 19^th minute, before a quick-fire second half brace sealed his hat-trick. Joel Allwright was also on target, netting the Black and Whites second goal. 

It was a third consecutive triumph for Adelaide City after a trio of winless matches and coach Damian Mori credits his players for the turnaround. 

“It was a good, honest performance. We took the opportunities that we created,” he noted. 

“Keeping a clean sheet was also important. We had been conceding sloppy goals in the early weeks but turned that around. Creating chances and putting them away wasn’t the issue. 

“The players have been working hard over the past few weeks. It was a tough start. I thought we were playing well but things weren’t going for us. They have been lately.” 

Injured Campbelltown captain Vas Parhas says there is no cause for concern despite the heavy defeat. 

“Adelaide City are a quality side, they were intense and hungry. They were excellent in transition and capitalised on their opportunities,” Parhas stated. 

“We believed at half time we could still win it. Until the third goal went in against the run of play we were in it. 

“There’s no cause for panic. Every so often you meet a side which is just on. City got the goals, then pressed us and kept good shape. We’ll keep going as we have been.” 

Campbelltown, protecting the League’s best defensive record before the match started, threatened first as Valentino Yuel crossed for Michael Matricciani’s volley which ended just wide of the post. 

The home side then took the lead thanks to an inventive Costa finish. On the ground as he tried to reach a cross, the striker flicked the ball past Ben Moore into an empty net. 

With the conditions steadily worsening in the final 15 minutes of the half, Adelaide City doubled their advantage. Fumiya Sukuzi’s shot was parried into the path of Allwright, who had a tap-in from close range. 

Suzuki was involved as the Black and Whites scored their third on 57 minutes. He robbed Keita Minomura of possession in midfield and played the ball to Costa for the No. 9 to finish with aplomb past Moore. 

Adelaide City had netted 14 goals in two prior League encounters and grabbed a fourth with just under 20 minutes to play in this match. Costa twisted and turned on the edge of the penalty area, finally finding space to arrow his shot into the bottom corner. 

The win sees Adelaide City climb into fifth spot, while Campbelltown fall to fourth. 

Article by Luca Cetta - @l_cetta