Raiders v Croydon
PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia Round 21

When: Saturday, July 11^th. Kick-off 3pm
Where: Croatian Sports Centre, State Sports Park, off Main North Road, GEPPS CROSS

Teams:

Raiders: I. Baragomwa, A. Boccaccio, D. Chamberlain, M. Debono, N. Fleetwood, H. Fombason, E. Haile, M. Kamara, S. Kamara, E. Kamsoba, P. Karittevlis, F. Kido, C. King, A. Macolino, A. Manocchio, R. Marveggio, M. Nichola, J. O'Doherty, C. Pounendis, D. Pritchard, M. Saric, J. Stephens, Y. Sudic, V. Tryfopoulos

Croydon: 18 J. Brazzale, T. Dichiera, 4 M. Doyle, J. Farrell, 6 N. Farrell, J. Fighera, J. Francesca, 12 D. Gazettas, 20 S. Georgiadis, A. Irabona, 5 L. Klimek, 19 L. May, 7 S. Mcgreevy, 16 P. Mercurio, 2 J. Panagaris, 10 C. Pepe, 14 S. Pepper, 15 J. Punturieri, 11 F. Violi, 8 R. Visconte, 9 A. Wiens, C. Zacharopoulos, 1 N. Munro

Form:

Raiders: L L L

Round 18: MetroStars 1-0 Raiders, TK Shutter Reserve
Round 19: Raiders 0-3 Port Adelaide Pirates, Croatian Sports Centre
Round 20: Modbury 4-2 Raiders, Jet Park

Croydon: W W W

Round 18: Croydon 3-1 Adelaide Comets, Polonia Reserve
Round 19: Campbelltown City 0-1 Croydon, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Round 20: Croydon 1-0 West Torrens Birkalla, Polonia Reserve

Preview:

It’s a new beginning for Raiders, who welcome red-hot Croydon to the Croatian Sports Centre in Round 21 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia on Saturday.

Raiders enjoyed a run of three wins in four matches, but any momentum gained has been halted by a trio of defeats, including last weekend’s 4-2 loss to Modbury.

Veteran Mimi Saric admitted it wasn’t the desired result.

“It was disappointing to not get the result we wanted,” he said.

“The aim was to get a result which would keep us away from the relegation zone.

“It’s hard to pinpoint what has gone wrong. We have lost a few players to injury, but it’s hard to say if that’s the reason.”

It proved a costly defeat. Not only did Raiders slide into the relegation play-off position, but coach Carl Maynard resigned this week. Former West Adelaide boss Joel Porter is his replacement.

Porter’s first task is to stop the slide and Saric remains confident Raiders can enjoy a fruitful finish to the campaign.

“Carl made the decision the club would be best off with a new face in charge. From the players point of view we were happy to support Carl. He did an excellent job.

“Yet maybe it was time for a new face – that could be what we need.

“We have got to stay confident. We’ve had some good results this year and know we can do it.

“Croydon are on a good run, but we beat them at earlier this year in what was one of our better games. Eventually their run has to end...”

Croydon has claimed seven wins in an eight-match unbeaten run in the League, in addition to qualifying for the Westfield FFA Cup after downing Adelaide City.

Last weekend the Kings toppled League leaders West Torrens Birkalla and captain Luke Klimek says their form is a reflection of hard work carried out.

“We faced a very good team, Birkalla were top and they played well. We did just enough and squeezed out the win,” the midfielder stated.

“The boys are working hard and that starts from Mark [Brazzale]. The results are paying off on the pitch. We’ve also been fortunate to have a good run without injuries.”

The Kings are set to experience an exciting period, currently just two points from the lead and preparing for the Westfield FFA Cup clash with Brisbane’s Lions FC.

Klimek says Croydon is building to that encounter, but must be wary of the new-look Raiders.

“We want to take it week by week, but we are certainly looking at the double chance. That would be nice heading to the finals.

“We are building to the FFA Cup game. It’s only four weeks away and we are looking to add momentum each week ahead of that clash.

“It’s always tough to play a team which has just changed coach. They will all want to impress. It will be a tough test and we can’t go in thinking we’ve got it already.”

Article by Luca Cetta - @l_cetta