RAA NPLSA Goals Wrap | Round Eight
Adelaide Croatia Raiders picked up a much-needed win over Croydon Kings on Saturday, with two late goals earning a 3-1 victory away from home.
It was the Kings who drew first blood in the 15th minute, as Peter Mercurio’s volley in the box was saved onto the bar and bounced out, allowing Adam Martinello to head home from close range to grab an early lead for the hosts.
Their lead only lasted ten minutes, however, as James Temelkovski mesmerised down the right wing before squaring the ball for Thanasis Lesi, who stabbed his first-time shot straight into the top corner to equalise for Raiders.
As it looked like the match was heading for a draw, Temelkovski produced another piece of sublime skill, receiving the ball in close quarters and turning around a defender before arrowing his shot in off the underside of the crossbar to hand Raiders the lead in the 85th minute.
Harley Gepp put the result beyond doubt three minutes into stoppage time, sliding his shot under the keeper and past an onrushing defender to seal the victory and consign their opponents to a third straight loss.
MetroStars claimed an important 3-0 win over Sturt Lions, as did Adelaide Comets over Adelaide City by a margin of 2-0 to reclaim top spot on the ladder after eight rounds.
Cumberland United stayed level on points with Comets at the top with a 2-1 victory over Adelaide Blue Eagles, while the points were shared at 2-2 in South Adelaide’s match against Campbelltown City and 1-1 between Adelaide Olympic and Adelaide United.