Campbelltown City left it late to seal the three points as they downed White City 1-0 in the penultimate round of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia.

The Red Devils were clearly dominant in possession but failed to really work White City keeper Josh Negrean, a draw looking more likely as the minutes ticked down.

The game was crying out for some heroics, which is exactly what Campbelltown got in the form of playmaker Kento Hara.

Hara picked up the ball on the edge of the 18-yard box, took a couple of touches to his right before unleashing the sweetest of shots into the bottom corner at the far post.

Campbelltown captain Vas Parhas said it was a good performance to have behind them, now that focus has begun to shift to their finals campaign.

“I thought we played well.

“It was an important game for us and it was good to start building some momentum as we head towards finals.

“It was pleasing that we were creating chances and we probably could have had a few more, but we were just really happy at the way we kept our shape and kept possession; a goal in the end was a good reward.”

Goal keeper Ben Moore was subbed off early in the contest through injury, but Parhas believes he should be able to shake off the knock; if not reserve keeper Nick Harpas is more than capable of filling the gloves.

“I think Ben will bounce back, it was more just on the day he was having a bit of trouble with his knee.

“But he’s been fantastic all year for us, we hope that he can get up and we’re confident that he will; in saying that, Nick Harpas came in and did a great job so we’re confident whoever plays between the sticks is going to do a good job for us.

“We’re blessed that we have Nick as back up, and we’ll be fine either way.”

With Para Hills managing to snatch a point off Modbury, only goal difference is keeping White City off the bottom of the table.

Defender Chahine Noujaim said the side shouldn’t head out next week against Birkalla with that in mind.

“We really shouldn’t think about that.

“The main thing is having fun and playing our style of football, hopefully coming away with the three points.

“We still have a chance to put some pride back into ourselves and the club as a whole, so it should be a good contest.”

Noujaim said the side felt unlucky not to come away with anything after keeping Campbelltown goalless for the majority of the ninety minutes, but that is something positive they can take with them heading into the final round.

“We should have at least came away with a draw, but hey we got unlocked by a nice flick and the strike couldn’t have been hit any better.

“We can take the performance as a positive, even though it won’t stop us going down.

“It will let us finish the season on some sort of a high and really make Birks work for a win before their finals campaign.”

Article by Brendan Simpkins