For Croydon Kings, the Football Federation SA Charity Cup was always going to be a David and Goliath fable.  True to script, it took a last minute goal to down last season’s PlayStation 4 National Premier League Champions West Adelaide in what was a very entertaining spectacle on Friday night.

The game started at a frenetic pace with both teams creating goal scoring opportunities. West Adelaide’s’ Ricardo Da Silva got involved in the opening minutes of the game setting up play for Perry Mitris who crossed a dangerous ball into the box, but Kosta Mantis was unable to control his header which sailed over the bar.

A counter attack from the goal kick saw Croydon break quickly from defence, a through ball finding its way to Frankie Marifioti at the edge of the West Adelaide box but his shot was deflected for a corner.

Croydon continued to press high putting the West Adelaide’s midfield and defence under pressure causing uncharacteristic turnovers.

The hard work paid dividends for Croydon in the 12^th minute when Rocky Visconte fought off a heavy challenge to get a cross onto the back post where Shaun McGreevy was well placed to slot the ball past Lewis Moss from point blank range to open the scoring.

The Croydon goal sparked a frenzied attack by West Adelaide in search for an equaliser. Tony Hatzis and new signing Hiaru Tanaka started to get on top in the midfield, and John Karatsis up forward was trying to cash in on his teammates’ hard work. He had two great opportunities to hit the score board. His first attempt was a header that hit the cross bar, followed by a long range strike that was blocked by Nicholas Munro in the Croydon goals.

West Adelaide was unlucky not to be on level terms in the 37’ when a Tanuka strike hit the woodwork. Hatzis continued to set up play from the middle of the park, with Mitris, Alex Rideout and Da Silva becoming more prominent.

Solid defending by Croydon’s back four late in the half saw the Kings go into the break with their lead intact.

West Adelaide started the second half the same way as they finished the first, on full attack. Tanaka and Da Silva were involved in a lot of the forward attacks, but West Adelaide were unable to take their chances. Croydon were happy to hold back and absorb the pressure while waiting for their opportunity to counter.

West Adelaide were rewarded for their sustained efforts in the 74’ when Karatzis weaved through traffic to the edge of the Croydon box and shot the ball past a diving Munro.

The game lifted another gear (if that was possible) as both teams looked for the winning goal. Unfolding at a rapid pace, Pezos looked to his bench for fresh legs. Croydon’s playmakers Visconte, Steve Pepper and Luke Klimek began to work themselves back into the game; winning plenty of important balls at crucial times late in the half.

Recent signing James Skeffington was introduced into the game by Croydon coach Mark Brazzale, getting involved immediately, creating numerous scoring opportunities only to be denied by Moss with some outstanding saves.

It was always going to be an act of brilliance that was going to break the deadlock, and it came in the 90’ when Skeffington collected a pass from Visconte on the half volley and blasted an unbelievable first class long range shot past a stranded Moss.

Perry Mitris lamented after the game at the missed chances.

“We always believed we could get on top of them, we had opportunities to put them away but failed to capitalise on them,” he said.

Rock Visconte was more upbeat after the win, believing the young Croydon side can only get better.

“As a team we held our shape really well for most of the game, and pressed at the right time in the right areas of the park, we took our chances and got the job done.”

Croydon go into next week’s opening round of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australian season with added confidence.

Paul Pezos on the other hand won’t be pushing the panic button just yet, knowing he still has a number of talented players to return to his team’s starting line-up.

Croydon followed the script of the famous fable to the tee, conquering the giant and lifting the Football Federation SA Charity Cup trophy as the victors of the contest.

Written by Joe Pangallo - @JoJo_ontheball