State League One | Round 20
West Adelaide finally showed they were human and suffered a 3-2 loss at the hands of a resurgent White City second half performance. 2-0 up at halftime, Hellas seemed to be on track to increase their lead at the top of the pile. However, White City showcased not only their footballing ability, but their ability to scrap it out in the big games; a quintessential trait of a successful state league campaign. Beograd will seek to build on this by dispatching of Vipers this coming weekend.
Birkalla stuttered again, submitting a 2-1 lead to Western Strikers at Jack Smith Park. Both teams have finals aspirations, and Birks inability to capitalise on their lead has been a feature of their season. This sees them fall away from the top 5 and leaves them vulnerable to a free-fall down the table; as a meagre 3 points separate 6th and 10th placed Vipers.
If anyone was doubting Panthers, or perhaps needed reminding of their quality, Jonathon Rideout spearheaded a stellar South Adelaide statement performance that quashes that doubt. Rideout bagged himself a 14-minute hat-trick, inspiring his side to a 5-1 win over strugglers Fulham. Jai Conroy and Scott Gobec also contributed to the goal-fest, which leaves the Southerners just a game off top-spot.
Like clockwork; Sturt won, and Rodriguez scored again. A comfortable 3-0 win over a Playford side who have been claiming scalps all season; really highlights just how good this team is. Cooper Mullins and Jacob Atkinson contributed late, making it 5 wins on the bounce.
Hawks did what they had to do this week; win. The 4-0 demolition of Vipers got the Hills-side back on track, whilst pouring more misery on Vipers, who are in the midst of a poor run of form. Scoring each goal in the first half, they reaffirmed the Nest as a perilous away fixture; and will be looking to make it a fortress once again.
State League Two | Round 20
Aaron Acton was at it again, as were Eastern. In a top of the table clash that has huge ramifications for the league, Eastern got it done at Athelstone with a 3-0 win over fellow contenders Gawler. Neven Blazeka was pulling the strings as usual; the Croatian playmaker has really come into his own this season. Eastern now sit on top of the pile, with Gawler and Vista nipping at their heels.
Cove got back on track with a well-earned 3-1 away win over Salisbury. Tobin grabbed himself two goals and sent his side to 7th place, only a game away from 4th.
Northern Demons showed some fight and showed just how hard a place Byrne Park is to play. Beating Noarlunga 1-0 through an early Cristopher Annese goal, putting Noarlunga back on the bus with their tails between their legs.
Vista flexed their muscles against the ever-struggling Mt Barker. The 6-0 win sees them earn third sport, a game off 1st. Mt Barker have failed to register a point and have scored 3 in return for 31 conceded this season.
Adelaide Uni beat Pontian 2-0 at University Ovals. This leaves Uni in 6th spot and the Eagles in 10th.
Finally, Pirates brushed aside Cobras 4-1 at Jack Smith Park on Saturday night. The Pirates came from behind, with late goals from Coley, Skeffington and Sesay overcoming an early scare to secure a comfortable win which keeps them in 4th spot.
