RAA National Premier League SA | Round Four Preview

Match of the Round
Campbelltown City vs Adelaide United FC
3:00 pm | Saturday 12 March | Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Last Meeting:
(10/8/21) Round 14 Adelaide United FC 0 v Campbelltown City 3

Match of the Round

With only one point in their first three games, tenth place Campbelltown City will aim to get their first three points of the season as they battle ninth place Adelaide United FC in the Round Four Match of the Round.

Campbelltown City has opened their campaign with one point in three games for the second consecutive season, as the team attempts to adapt to life under a new coach. After the devastation of experiencing losses in their opening two rounds, their Round Three matchup with FK Beograd looked destined for three points, as goals by Luigi Ditroia and Antony Piscioneri gave the Reds an early 2-0 lead. However, a poor second half saw two defensive mistakes cost Campbelltown City the lead ultimately leading to a 2-2 draw and erasing any hope of three points.

To ensure a win in Round Four, Campbelltown City must look to tighten their defence, as they currently sit on eight goals conceded in their first three games. Lui Ditroia and Antony Piscioneri look extremely impressive to start the 2022 season, with the club hoping that last season’s leading goal scorer Marc Marino open his account this upcoming weekend.

Marc Marino
Image: Ken Carter (Marc Marino in action against MetroStars)

When asked about Campbelltown City's early form and their upcoming fixture midfielder Antony Piscioneri discussed:

It isn’t the start we would of liked but there are positive signs throughout all the games. Now coming into this weeks game against United we will be looking to start well and fight hard for our first 3 points of the season."

Adelaide United FC head into Round Four in great spirits after Jonny Yull’s masterclass led the side to their first win of the season as they beat Adelaide Olympic 3-1. Yull’s double and a goal by Panashe Madanha helped United gain their first points of the season, while it was the return of goalkeeper Ethan Cox that proved the real difference, as his return helped reinsure a defence that conceded nine goals in their opening two games.

Round Four’s Match of the Round is a perfect opportunity for Adelaide United FC to gain their second win of the season as they face a struggling Campbelltown City side.

Adelaide United FC defender and former Campbelltown City junior Noah McNamara discussed his team’s early form:

I think we have started well, just the results are not reflecting well on us. I think last week’s win was a big boost for our confidence especially heading into this week again.”

When asked about his team’s upcoming fixture against Campbelltown City, McNamara stated:

Campbelltown City is a very well-structured team with top quality players. We are looking forward to the challenge and are looking for all three points.”

The Match of the Round will be important for both clubs early in the season, as they look to distance themselves early from the bottom two while looking to climb the table. There is all to play for in Round Four for Campbelltown City and Adelaide United FC.

Campbelltown City line-up: 1. Alexander Woodlands (GK), 2. Shaun Harvey (C), 5. James Boffa, 6. Adam D'Agostino, 7. Joel Allwright, 8. Alexander Mullen, 9. Marc Marino, 10. Luigi Ditroia, 11. Anthony Ture, 12. Nicholas Francese, 14. Adam Piscioneri, 15. Antony Piscioneri, 16. Daniel Mullen, 18. Yohei Matsumoto, 20. Matthew Centofanti, 21. Jordan Maricic, 23. Jake Halliday
Coaches: Michael Matricciani, Adrian DAloia, Brenton Hiern, Edward Scalzi
Team Staff: Agelo Kapnistis, Liam Oates, Corey Artone

Adelaide United FC line-up: Jok Akuien, 37. Jonny Yull, 40. Ethan Cox (GK), 41. Alexandar Popovic, 44. Arbi Mollas, 45. Noah McNamara, 51. Panashe Madanha, 55. Ethan Alagich, 58. Jeanpaul Mbembe, 77. Asad Kasumovic, 81. Mohamed Bility, 97. Luka Jovanovic
Coaches: Airton Andrioli, Elvis Markov, Vlado Blazeka, Joe Verringer
Team Staff: Will Mockridge, Katrina Smith, Jonathan Norodom, Ebony Charles

 

Croydon FC vs FK Beograd
2:30 pm | Saturday 12 March | Jack Smith Park
Last Meeting:
(25/7/15) Round 23, Croydon FC 4 v FK Beograd 1

Croydon FC
Facebook: Croydon Kings FC

With seven points in their first three matches, Croydon FC will shape up to be a difficult opponent for FK Beograd, as the recently promoted side travels to Jack Smith Park to challenge the inform team.

Croydon FC enters Round Four fresh off an important 2-1 win against MetroStars where new signing Dion Kirk starred bagging two goals to help his team secure three points. Kirk grabbed his first two goals for his new club in the last match and will aim to increase his tally this weekend against FK Beograd. Earning seven points in their first three games, Croydon FC are still yet to be beaten in the league this season. Patrick Caraccia continues to impress as he demonstrates his ability to be one of the best in the league, while John Hall remains strong in goals.

FK Beograd gained their first points in the RAA NPLSA as they fought back from two goals behind to gain a 2-2 draw with Campbelltown City. Ninko Beric demonstrated his poacher nature, capitalising on two Campbelltown City defensive mistakes to gain his third goal of the season. After starting the season with one point in their opening three games, FK Beograd must look to improve to ensure they remove themselves from the bottom two.

Croydon FC line-up: 1. Gianni Tramontin, 2. John Panagaris, 3. Raffaele De Lucia, 4. Lawand Hasan, 5. Luke Klimek (C), 6. Christopher Vivian, 7. Sebastian Goode, 8. Adam Martinello, 9. Dion Kirk, 10. Antoni Trimboli, 11. Luis Benedetti, 12. Eric Scardigno, 14. Peter Mercurio, 15. Froribert Niyonkuru, 16. Kristos Stefanopoulos, 17. Giuseppe Macheda, 18. Jarrod Brazzale, 19. Benson Nsegetse, 20. Jared Clark, 21. John Hall (GK), 23. Patrick Caraccia
Coaches: Travis Dodd, Latham Byfield, Adam Vizzari
Team Staff: Giuseppe Catalano, Joshua Avery

FK Beograd line-up: 1. Dawson Bojanic, 3. Jacob Disotto, 6. Paul Radice, 7. Jace Cummins, 8. Christian Sotira, 9. Joshua Mori, 10. Thomas Love, 14. Isaac Mullen, 15. Massimo Falco, 16. Ninko Beric, 17. Chahine Noujaim, 18. Stanisa Velinov, 19. Filimon Asefa, 20. Jordan Pudler (C), 21. Nikola Jokic (GK), 22. Akok Arok, 23. Cooper Nunn
Coaches: Damian Mori, Scott Parr
Team Staff: Constantinos Tsaconas, Sachin Prakash Kumar

 

South Adelaide vs Sturt Lions
3:00 pm | Saturday 12 March | O’Sullivan Beach Sports and Community Centre
Last Meeting:
(9/10/21) RAA NPLSA Final Series Round 2, Sturt Lions 2 v South Adelaide 2 (AET) Sturt Lions 6-5-win penalties

South Adelaide
Facebook: SA Panthers FC

South Adelaide looks to extend their lead at the top of the RAA NPLSA as they take on a currently struggling Sturt Lions at O’Sullivan Beach Sports and Community Centre.

South Adelaide enters Round Four with the best-attacking output in the league with twelve goals in three games while holding the joint second-best defensive record, only conceding twice so far. South’s Round Three performance began in a similar fashion that they ended their previous game, scoring three goals in the first half against WT Birkalla which ultimately led to a 3-2 win. Jonathan Rideout has now recorded a goal in three consecutive games, while new signing Donovan Pollock continues to impress early, recording his second goal of the season.

Sturt Lions will look to get their season back on track after experiencing two defeats in a row with the most recent coming against Adelaide Comets in a 2-0 loss. Sturt has failed to score in their previous two outings while conceding five in the process. Sturt will have great memories against South Adelaide, with their most recent win against their Round Four opponents coming in their 2021 RAA NPLSA Finals Series clash which ultimately sent them to Semi-Final.

sturt
Image: 80kms (Sturt Lions vs South Adelaide: 2021 RAA NPLSA Finals Series)

South Adelaide will look to take advantage of Sturt Lions poor form to increase their lead at the top of the RAA NPLSA ladder.

South Adelaide line-up: Jonathon Rideout, Callum Nissen, Jack Rudge, 1. Ryan Veitch (GK), 4. Robert Parker (C), 5. Declan Gray, 6. Liam Wooding, 7. Melad Ahmad, 8. Brett Rayner, 11. Alexander Rideout, 13. Jai Conroy, 14. Donovan Pollock, 15. Jackson Stephens, 16. Declan Finney, 19. Blake Lindsay, 23. Jack Ellis
Coaches: Andrew Calderbank, Steve Kitchin, Fraser McLean
Team Staff: Jacqueline Wingate

Sturt Lions line-up: 1. James Klappers (GK), 2. Michael Marrone, 3. Daniel Guastella, 4. Jacob Atkinson, 5. Lachlan Duffy, 6. Toby Nelson, 7. Ben Woollard, 8. Caden Yates, 10. Alexander Sortini, 11. Samed Altundag, 12. Tyreece Conway, 13. William Plush, 14. Zack Gomez, 15. Akira Kobaishi, 16. Samuel Voigt, 17. Jonathan Fusco (C), 18. Jack Dawson, 19. Luke Fusco, 20. Brandon Centofanti, 21. Jed Gauci, 22. Valentino Esposito, 23. Cale Nagle
Coaches: Lino Fusco, Frank Tibaldi, Michael Margaritis, Michael Harkness
Team Staff: Matthew Flounders, Gregory Videon, Jakson Messent

 

Cumberland United vs MetroStars
3:00 pm | Saturday 12 March | A.A Bailey Reserve
Last Meeting:
(17/7/21) Round 13, Cumberland United 0 v MetroStars 3

Cumberland
Facebook: Cumberland United Football Club

Saturday football continues as MetroStars travels to A.A Bailey Reserve as they look to get their season back on track as they battle Cumberland United.  

Cumberland United’s worrying start to the season continued as they were beaten by Adelaide City 5-1 in Round Three. Currently sitting at the foot of the ladder, Cumberland United has currently claimed one point, with eight goals conceded and only three scored in their first three games. They now face a real challenge in Round Four in their search for their first three points of the season as they face MetroStars.

After experiencing their first defeat of the season to Croydon FC in Round Three’s Match of the Round, MetroStars will look to bounce back to ensure their spot in the top half of the table remains. Although sitting on six points in their first three games, MetroStars defensive record needs improving as they currently have conceded six goals, with seven goals scored. MetroStars will look to take advantage of the poor Cumberland United defence that conceded five in their last fixture.

Cumberland must look to secure their first win of the season in Round Four, while MetroStars will look for their third win of the season as they attempt to keep their place in the top half of the competition.

Cumberland United line-up: Jack Schoen, 1. Luke Schoen (GK), 3. Joshua Harvey, 4. Daniel Ryles, 5. Sam Carmichael, 7. Rocco Visconte, 8. Harry Thannhauser, 12. Chol Wel, 14. Cohan Morris, 20. Stavros Bakopanos, 22. Lansana Smith, 30. Wesley Weetra, 35. Thomas Visser, 38. Riak Mayol, 49. Tom Dittmar, 60. Minsung Park
Coaches: Neil Young, Mathew Balopitos, Daniel Stuart, Bryn Jones
Team Staff: Jody Loomes, Sean Bushby

MetroStars line-up: 1. Isaac Carmody, 2. Connor O'rielly, 3. Luke Frangakis, 4. Justin Davis, 5. Timothy Henderson, 6. Paul Blefari, 7. Hamish Gow, 8. Rocky Callisto, 9. Thomas Strain, 10. Anthony Solagna (C), 11. Ariath Piol, 12. Alessio Melisi, 14. Philip Cash, 15. Nicholas Pedicini, 16. Francesco Schimizzi, 17. Cameron Dix, 18. Fabian Barbiero, 19. Cooper O'donnell, 20. Luke Ostbye, 21. Cameron Woodfin, 22. Jackson Walls, 23. Christian Esposito, 26. Ren Nagamatsu, 27. Jackson Fortunatow
Coaches: Robert Saraceno, Nicholas Bouzalas, Adam Van Dommele, Michael Rende
Team Staff: Giorgio Capoccia, Joseph Polisena, Patrick Pike

 

Adelaide City vs Adelaide Comets
5:00 pm | Saturday 12 March | Adelaide City Park
Last Meeting:
(22/10/21) RAA NPLSA Grand Final, Adelaide City 0 v Adelaide Comets 0 (AET), Adelaide City 3-2 Penalty Win

Adelaide Comets
Facebook: Adelaide Comets FC

We have been treated early in the season as Round Four presents the 2021 RAA NPLSA Grand Final rematch as Adelaide Comets looks to get their revenge over Adelaide City as they faceoff at Adelaide City Park.

Adelaide City’s start to the 2022 season has begun strong as they currently sit in third with seven points in their first three games. Their most recent fixture saw them gain an easy three points as they beat Cumberland United 5-1, with Kur Kur grabbing his first hattrick of the season to lead his team to victory. In 2021, Adelaide City was unable to get the better of their Round Four opponents in league competition, however, ultimately getting their revenge in that year’s Finals Series.

Adelaide City
Image: 80kms (Adelaide City RAA NPLSA Grand Final Championship celebration)

Adelaide Comets currently sit level on points with Adelaide City, with their most recent win coming against Sturt Lions in a 2-0 victory which saw Allan Welsh contribute with an early contender for Goal of the Year. While new signing Augustus Williams continues to look like a great pickup by Barney Smith as the new attacker recorded his second of the season.

Adelaide Comets will look to get their revenge over Adelaide City after their Grand Final loss in 2021, as they aim to complete the league double over their league Premiership rivals for the second consecutive season.

Adelaide City line-up: Aladin Irabona, 4. Matthew Halliday, 6. Bradley Corbo, 9. Onyelukachi Chikwuba, 10. Nicholas Bucco, 11. Kur Kur, 15. Darcy Dawber, 17. Thomas Brown, 19. Vianne Kurikwimana, 20. Charlie Devereux, 22. JUAN GUTIERREZ, 23. Jai King-Byrne, 33. Dakota Ochsenham, 44. Henry Filsell
Coaches: Paul Pezos, George Tsonis, Steven Hughes
Team Staff: Fabian Garuccio, Nik Hagicostas, Luis Fernandez Astudillo

Adelaide Comets line-up: 1. Julian Torresan (GK), 5. Adam Le Cornu, 6. Francesco Pangallo, 7. Dylan Smith, 8. Ryan Yates, 9. Ryan Cook, 10. Anthony Mavrolambados, 11. Thomas Briscoe, 14. Nathan Andijanto, 16. Stelios Zacharakis, 18. Thomas Giannakopoulos, 21. Nikolas Ikonomopoulos, 22. Allan Welsh (C), 23. Scott Nagel, 24. Lachlan Stead, 31. Daniel Vaughan, 66. Jayden LoBasso, 70. Ashton Rinaldo, 77. Augustus Williams
Coaches: Barney Smith, John Falidis, Peter Eleftherakis
Team Staff: Evangelo Katsambis, Andreas Wiens, Emma Gericke

 

Adelaide Olympic vs WT Birkalla
7:00 pm | Saturday 12 March | Valo Football Centre
Last Meeting:
(29/7/18) Round 21, WT Birkalla 0 v Adelaide Olympic 3

WT Birkalla
Facebook: West Torrens Birkalla SC

After both clubs experienced losses in Round Three, WT Birkalla and Adelaide Olympic will aim to ensure they don’t go two rounds without a win.

Adelaide Olympic experienced their second loss of the season as they were beaten by a rejuvenated Adelaide United FC 3-1. Currently sitting on three points in their first three games, Adelaide Olympic must look to secure their second win of the season against WT Birkalla. Olympic has not failed to find goals thus far, with seven different players contributing to their seven goals, however, a poor defensive record of eight goals conceded has cost the side largely so far this season. Adelaide Olympic has not faced WT Birkalla since the 2018 season, which saw the Round Four host win 3-0.

WT Birkalla currently sits level on points with Adelaide Olympic, starting the season off with one win and two losses in their first three matches back in the RAA NPLSA. WT Birkalla’s Round Three fixture did not go as planned, as they conceded three in the first half, with a second-half resurgence which saw them score twice against South Adelaide not being enough to secure any points. WT Birkalla has continued to improve their performances since their opening day loss to Adelaide Comets and will look to pick up their second win of the season on Saturday night.

Adelaide Olympic line-up: 1. Lewis Moss, 3. Paul Wilson, 4. Benkert Abdija, 5. Adam Leombruno, 6. Kristin Konstandopoulos, 7. Jason Konstandopoulos, 8. Damian Ljujic, 10. Dylan D'Agostino, 11. Tito Bontor, 12. George Katsigiannis, 14. Fausto Erba (C), 15. Michael Cittadini, 24. Panagiotis Manidakis, 44. Ioannis Simosis
Coaches: Yianni Stamatelopoulos, Bill Nastou, Pal Prengaj, Bill Petropoulos
Team Staff: Robert Muscio, Sumin Kim

WT Birkalla line-up: 1. Charlie Yull, 2. George Mannion, 3. james polli, 4. Christopher Ashwood (C), 6. Anthony Quici, 7. Stefan Simic, 8. Jake Monaco, 9. Calvin Mbarga, 10. Austin Ayoubi, 11. jonathon d'arrigo, 15. Christian D'Angelo, 17. David Makridis, 19. Nathan Munro, 20. Nicholas Harpas (GK), 21. Nicholas Harpas, 24. Noah Benouzekri, 91. Yasmin Sudic
Coaches: Jason Trimboli, George Katsaneris, Carmine Lauriello
Team Staff: Chris Goddard, Roger Williamson, Henry Lambert

 

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