The unbeaten Kings are coming off 5 league draws in a row, faced a trip to league leaders Adelaide Blue Eagles in round 8. A tough game against a well oiled unit on a big open pitch. After defeating Cove in the cup last week, the Kings knew they had to put in a better performance to trouble the Marden based side.

The cup game was to be fair, one of the worst wins in current years… but a win was a win and we move onto the next round (THIS SATURDAY v Playford at Polonia Reserve…. more on that later on).

Costanzo was once again without VC James Skeffington, just one week away from being match fit. Key defender Alex Sunasky was again putting in solid performances in the reserves and will look to slot back in the senior side again very soon. Young Alex Demasi was given another start with the pace of Stefanopoulos and Heinicke on the bench.

A 1st min blunder from keeper John Hall almost cost the visitors a goal, but luckily the ball didnt cross the line! Trimboli and Caraccia were linking up nicely early, creating a chance for the #11 who wasnt able to finish. 11mins in…. cue the Benny Hill music. An absolute comedy of errors from both the Kings defense as well as the ABE forwards. Ball hitting crossbar from a back pass, strikers missing from close range, defenders not clearing the ball… bloody hilarious considering no goal was scored and the visitors stayed at 0-0! Trimboli had another good chance in the 21st min, forcing a good save from the home keeper.

Unfortunately for Croydon, the Blue Eagles broke the deadlock in the 33rd min. Defense was opened up down the left wing and a quick, low, hard cross was met by inform McCabe from ABE who slotted into the back of the net. 1-0 Blue Eagles. 5 mins later, the Kings were 2 down after a poor clearance from John Hall to Adam Martinello in the middle of the park, just outside the 18 yard box. The midfielder didnt control the pass well and was easily tacked by the ABE striker who slotted home 1 on 1 with Hall. Poor defending all round. Far too much messing around the back half. The pressure the Blue Eagles were putting on the Kings backline was because we werent moving it fast enough up the park. The exact opposite to what we did against Adel City in round 1 where we dominated from start to finish. Extremely frustrating for the fans on the side line, as we know what our side is capable of. The playing around the back half isnt winning us games- simple as that.

Half time saw Zade Heinicke replace Alex Demasi and Kristos Stefanopolous come on the the disappointing Pete Mercurio. A much better start the the 2ns half, with intent and drive to go forward from the away side. We were putting them under pressure and causing errors. Pat Caraccia was getting stuck into the opposition, getting fired up! That’s the passion the fans wanted to see! Reward for effort came in the 70th min when some top passing and forward press by Trimboli was met by Nathan Munro who finished from close range. 2-1 and game on!

The Kings defense was holding firm in the 2nd half, lead by the outstanding efforts by John Panagaris and Jarrod Brazzale. Up the other end, Kristos nearly leveled the game with a rocket from long range- only just missing the crossbar. Guy Miller was brought on for Adam Martinello in the 80th min, looking for some fresh legs thru the midfield, With full time upon us, a highly controversial decision by the referee NOT to give the away side a clear cut hand ball. Earlier in the half, he gave a hand ball for much less against us, but absolute zero consistency through out the game. I know i’ve had a go at referees in the last couple weeks- but fans are frustrated by inconsistency and decisions made at different parts of the ground. But thats football. Roll with the punches.

Certainly a game of 2 halves… with the poor first half display ultimately costing us points. The vastly improved 2nd half with the the forward press, pressure, intent and sheer grunt is exactly what is needed from the first whistle… exactly the same as round 1. Defenders Panagaris and Brazzale along with the work rate and pressure of Munro were best on ground.

Earlier in the day, the Croydon sides both picked up wins! Pepper’s 18′s hammered 4 in while keeping a clean sheet. Brilliant work lads! Later, Vizzari’s reserves slotted 2 home again without conceding to record another win. Key defender Alex Sunasky getting on the score sheer too… well done boys!

This week we are back to FFA SA Cup action! We take on the impressive State League 1 side, Playford City at Polonia Reserve this Saturday Action kicks off at 9:30am with the U18′s, followed by the Reserves at 12pm and finally the seniors at 2:30pm. A huge, must win game. Not only to stay in the cup, but to find some form before a few big league games coming up!

Make sure we all get down to Polonia Reserve this Saturday to cheer the boys on!

ROUND 8 RESULTS
U18′s: 74-0 win
Reserves: 2-0 win
Seniors: 2-1 loss

HEJ POLONIA!

Round 7 brought the winless South Adelaide to Polonia Reserve… always a danger game. The Kings have always struggled at home to lower ranked teams and a win was vital with such a tight ladder. Coach Angelo Costanzo rewarded the good work of young gun Alex Dimasi by giving him his starting debut. Kristos Stefanopoulos also makes his first team debut from the bench (returning from a pre season injury).

A few hard challenges came flying in early, with Adam Martinello copping the rough end of the stick. Poor refereeing by not cautioning the bad challenge on the Kings midfielder. Both teams got stuck in and at one stage looked like the game was about to get out of control. The in the 28th min, striker Nathan Munro got himself into some space in the box and his header was well saved by ex King, Costa. Luckily the number 9 responded quickly and tapped it in! 1-0 Kings and looking good. Munro had another chance 10mins later after a wicked cross from Guy Miller- but couldnt put it in the back of the net.

Defenders Brazzale, Klimek, Panagaris and Stokes were looking solid in open play… unfortunately in the 40th min, loose tracking on the back post was met by a free South forward. A simple tap in and the visitors were level. Nervous signs for Croydon. Luckily no more set backs and both sides went in 1-1 at half time.

The worst possible start to the 2nd half for the home side, conceding in the 2nd min. A clear foul on keeper John Hall went completely unnoticed by the referee and the goal stood. Kings 2-1 down with 45 to play. Yet again, another poor decision by the referee in my opinion. 10mins into the half, Stefanopoulos came on for his debut at the expense of Dimasi. The change brought almost instant impact with the pacey winger chasing down a long ball making the Souths defender put the ball out. From this passage of play, Stefanopoulos produced a pin point cross to the waiting Munro who headed home is second for the game. 2-2 with 30mins to play… game on!

Not long after, Costanzo replaced the hard working Martinello with excitement machine Pat Caraccia. “Robin Hood” almost scored minutes later but couldn’t quite finish off some nice work from Kristos. On the stroke of 77mins, Munro had his hat trick! Smashing home from close range after some good keeping by the Souths number 1. 3-2 Kings lead with just 13mins to go. 5 mins later John Hall was called into action and produced a brilliant double save to keep the Kings in the lead. Young star Zade Heinicke came on with 10mins to go for the hard running Pete Mercurio, who didnt stop all day!

The visitors piled on the pressure, pushing for an equiiliser. Hall once again denied them with a wonderful save- however minutes later, some more poor set piece defending from Croydon was punished. A free man, for the 3rd time in the game (2nd from set pieces) headed home. A hugely lot of disappointed Kings fans and players couldnt believe it. Full time 3-3 draw. Our 5th in a row.

On the plus side, the U18′s and Reserves recorded some high scoring wins! Steve Pepper’s 18;s smashed south in a 7-1 romp! Following that, Adam Vizzari’s reserves held on for a tight 4-3 win. Both were much needed wins for the young lads- great stuff and keep that winning form going!

This week we have our first cup game (round 2) against Cove at Polonia Reserve. First team kick off at 2pm with u18′s and reserves before that. Come down and cheer the lads on to a much needed win that hopefully sparks some form into our season!

CUP ROUND 2 v Cove @ POLONIA RESERVE: GOOD FRIDAY 17th APRIL
2PM KICK OFF
GOLD COIN DONATION ENTRY-  proceeds to Zahra Foundation

ROUND 7 RESULTS
U18′s: 7-1 win
Reserves: 4-3 win
Seniors: 3-3 draw

HEJ POLONIA!

After a week off thanks to the round 1 cup bye, the Kings made the short drive down South Road to face Adelaide United Youth. With 3 ex Croydon lads in the young reds line up, the pacey kids were sure to be up for a battle with the more experienced Kings. The astro turf pitch at the Valo Football Centre was the venue for round 6 action!

After a great start to the season (2 wins and 3 draws), the unbeaten Kings went into Saturdays game with confidence knowing a win would keep them towards the top of the table. Coach Costanzo mixed up the starting 11 by starting gun Pat Caraccia and Adam Martinello starting from the bench (along with the youth of Chris Vivian, Alex Dimasi and Zade Heinicke).

Right from the start, Croydon pushed forward… quick feet and brilliant work by Pete Mercurio created a 1st min chance to VC James Skeffington, who had his shot well saved. Should have been put in the back of the net and 1-0 up early on, but wasnt to be. Up the other end, Kings custodian John Hall produced the save of the season with a diving effort to his left in the 20th min. A shot that was clearly going in if it wasnt for the star signing.

Apart from that, a very hard fought start to the game, both teams having purple patches. United were extremely fast, down the middle and the wings. Skeffington’s hard running combined with Caraccia’s attack on the ball and Munro’s constant forward pressure kept the home side on their toes. A first half scattered with poor, inconsistent refereeing decisions. Nether the less, both sides went in to the break with scores at 0-0.

Just 7mins into the 2nd half, vice skipper James Skeffington came off with a groin concern and was replaced with Alex Dimasi. Captain Lukasz Klimek was having a blinder- brilliant challenges in and out of the box to deny goals, as well as blocking crosses into the area. Once again, Captain Klimek leading by example. Coach Costanzo made another change in the 65th min, opting for the pace of Adam Martinello at the expense of hard running Nathan Munro. 5 mins later, in the 70th min, striker Antoni Trimboli found himself with the ball at his feet in the 18 yard box after a great cross. Only thing was he was facing away from goal, so the back heel was the only option! A brilliant finish from the number 11 who put the Kings in the lead!

United pushed even harder for the leveler and would have found it in the 74th min if it wasnt for the heroics of John Panagaris. Another great play from the left back who slid into a tackle and saved a certain goal! The back 4 were brilliant all game, plus keeper Hall! A few mins later, Kings fans were holding their breaths as United star Pasifique took on 2 defenders and hit a rocket into the post from 10 yards out. A lucky break for the visitors. Unfortunately for the Kings and their fans, United found the back of the net in the 82nd min thanks to a deflected header by ex King and son of Kings coach, Dom Costanzo. Poor marking from Guy Miller allowed the shorter midfielder to get a clean header away, and via a deflection, found its way into the net. 1-1 with 10mins to go.

A fast paced finish had both teams going for the win. Croydon came closest with a last minute strike from Miller that sailed over the bar. Finally the full time whistle (and terrible refereeing decisions) went with the score at 1-1. Lets hope the FFSA look back at the inconsistency and decision making of all 3 officials that frustrated and bemused supporters. Simply not good enough in this reporters opinion.

This is the Croydon sides fourth 1-1 draw in a row… still unbeaten in 2019. Another game that deserved a draw but disappointing we couldn’t hold on for the last 20mins. Brilliant performances from Klimek, Panagaris, Hall, Stokes and Trimboli along with hard running from Mercurio, Caraccia and Munro.

Earlier in the day both the U18′s and Reserves had days to forget! The young 18′s went down to the SA NTC side 5-1 and Adam Vizzari’s reserves gave up a 2-0 lead to eventually do down 5-3. We look forward to all 3 teams rebuilding during the week, ready to take on the winless South Adelaide at Polonia Reserve. Make sure all Kings fans (and guests) are at the ground this week for a beer and to cheer the lads on.

Thanks once again to Joe Janko for the pics- great work mate!

Round 7 v South Adelaide @ POLONIA RESERVE SATURDAY 13th APRIL
U18′s: 10:30am kick off
Reserves: 12:45pm kick off
Seniors: 3pm kick off

ROUND 6 RESULTS
U18′s: 5-1 loss
Reserves: 5-3 loss
Seniors: 1-1 draw

HEJ POLONIA!

Another beautiful Saturday afternoon at Polonia Reserve welcomed players and fans of the Kings and the high flying Metro Stars (with their 8 supporters as usual!) We welcomed sponsor Brad from SEM group to toss the coin for the match- so thanks Brad and family for all your support!

Ange Costanzo brought striker Nathan Munro back into the starting 11, adding to the tall timber up front. Pat Caraccia was starting on the bench in a “super sub” role for later in the game.

Metro had the early chances. A shot just inside the 18 yard box struck the post but it looked to be covered by keeper John Hall. The Kings strikers werent to be outdone, and moments later Antoni Trimboli watched his quick turn and shot just go past the post. On the stroke of 33mins, a brilliant run and cross by Trimboli wasnt able to be turned in by Pete Mercurio. A tight start to the game!

Just before half time, the home side pused and almost had the break thru… twice. The first good save from Carmody from Metro was off another Trimboli effort. From that corner, Guy Miller’s brilliant header was again well saved. 5mins later, into stoppage time, Pete Mercurio let loose and almost replicated his brilliant round 1 goal… only to be saved again from the visiting keeper.

Both sides went into the break at 0-0. The Kings defense lead by skipper Lukasz Klimek and veteran Jarrod Brazzale were holding strong.

The 2nd half had Metro on the front foot. A 53rd min strike thundered into the woodwork and back out- much to the relief of the Kings faithful! Just 1min later, a poor clearing ball from Hall was intercepted by the Metro forward the shot on target had Hall scrambling back to clear off the line! Real heart in throat moment let me tell you! All the action was happening down the wrong end- and @ 58mins, a really soft free kick from referee Elder was given. Unfortunately the visitors scored from the rebound off that free kick- leaving the Kings fans in uproar.

Changes were forced and Costanzo made a double change. Miller and Martinello were sacrificed for the exciting Caraccia and Maio. Almost instant success for Ange after a brilliant, pin point corner from Skeffington found the returning Munro, who made the most of his opportunity. A great goal in front of the club room side. 1-1 and game was well and truly game on!

Croydon were definitely on top late in the 2nd half, creating the better chances. Again, Mercurio came closest with a bullet in the 81st min, only just going over the crossbar. The constant cries of “SHOOT” from the sidelines seemed to work! The hard running Trimboli was substituted for young Alex Demasi in the 82nd min. The game was on edge and more chances came for the home side- unfortunately, none of which hit the back of the net.

Referee Elder blew the whistle and we had our 3rd 1-1 draw in a row, Still undefeated but in need of a few more wins the Kings dropped to 5th on the ladder, just 2 points off top spot. Still, a great game of football and lots of positives!

Earlier in the day, Pepper’s under 18′s had an impressive 3-0 win, carrying on with good form. Vizzari’s reserves also clocked up another win, taking the 3 points 2-1. Great work lads, keep it going!!

Round 6 is back on the road for a spicy battle against Adelaide United Youth (2 weeks time). This Saturday the boys have the week off as the FFA preliminary rounds kick off and we have the bye.

Round 6 v Adelaide United Youth @ Valo Football Centre (The Parks) SATURDAY 6th APRIL
U18′s: 10:30am kick off
Reserves: 12:45pm kick off
Seniors: 3pm kick off

A stunning Saturday afternoon at Polonia Reserve greeted players and fans of the Kings and the unbeaten Adelaide Olympic. A beautiful looking pitch was doused in sunshine ready for a cracking game! After a hard fought away point last week at Para Hills, coach Costanzo had the pleasure of bringing Vice Captain James Skeffington back into the starting line up at the expense of striker Nathan Munro who started on the bench. James Polli returned to the bench after a week off from a red card. Zade Heinicke was also back on the bench.

The Kings got off to a brilliant start with Pete Merurio pressuring the Olympic keeper who’s heavy touch was enough for the striker to tackle cleanly… and walk the ball into an empty net! Kings 1-0 up after 7mins! This is the forward pressure that rattled Adelaide City and West Adelaide! The Croydon forwards press and pressure continued. Hard running from Skeffington, Caraccia and Trimboli were causing the visitors some problems while Captain Klimek, Stokes and Brazzale were solid down back as always.

Goalkeeper John Hall was finally called into action 20mins in… and the tall custodian produced a blinder! A magnificent diving save to his right kept the home side with the advantage. With 10mins to go before half time, a poor defensive error from the Kings back line gifted Olympic the leveler. A horrible pass across the goal was cut off too easily by the Olympic forward and was left with a 1 on 1 with Hall. A calm and collected finish brought the score to 1-1. Both teams had few chances in the last 10mins and were unable to add to the score board. 1-1 at half time.

Striker Nathan Munro replaced the returning James Skeffington at the break as Costanzo looked to attack once more. A tight tussle for most of the half but Olympic had the best chances. Star keeper Hall was rock solid and keeping the Croydon boys in the game. Guy Miller made way for Andrew Maio mid way thru the 2nd half. Youngster Zade Heinicke was given a debut appearance with 10mins to go and almost made a hero of himself with his first touch. The forwards shot was saved well by the Olympic keeper as the crowd was up on their feet. Both teams fought it out to the end and finally referee Verdeccio called an end to proceedings. A well earned point from the unbeaten Kings who were on the back foot for most of the 2nd half.

Earlier in the day, Steve Peppers U18′s suffered a 3-1 loss after a good start to the season. On the flip side, Adam Vizzari’s Reserves side (strengthened by the return of keeper Gianni Tramontin and left back James Polli), as well as a solid half from “veteran” Alex Sunasky (returning from injury). A brilliant 3-1 win and their first of the season!

A good sign for the senior side as Sunasky got thru the game well… hopefully not too far away from returning to senior duties. Key winger Kristos Stefanopoulos was also back doing some running training and will resume first team training this week…. good signs for Costanzo and his coaching staff.

Round 5 sees all 3 sides back at Polonia Reserve THIS SATURDAY (day and time change) for a battle with early high flyers Metro Stars. Winner will possibly go top and keep in touch with Olympic. We had a another great crowd this week… lets get all these supporters and more down to the club THIS WEEK to cheer our lads on!

Round 5 v Metro Stars @ Polonia Reserve
U18′s: 10:30am kick off
Reserves: 12:45pm kick off
Seniors: 3pm kick off

ROUND 4 RESULTS
U18′s: 1-3 loss
Reserves: 3-1 win
Seniors: 1-1 draw

HEJ POLONIA!

A trip to the Paddocks on a perfect Saturday afternoon… a ground the Kings haven’t been the best on in recent years. After a huge result at home last week against West Adelaide, Costanzo’s troops were ready for a tough battle.

A late fitness test saw Vice Captain James Skeffington sit this one out (will be back in next week), as live wire Pat “Robin Hood” Caraccia taking Skeffs spot in the starting 11. Midfielder Guy Miller’s recent good form was rewarded a starting spot and Andrew Maio starts on the bench. First team new comers Zade Heinicke and Chris Vivian were also on the bench as coach Costanzo looked to youth against the pacey Knights.

A few early chances, and the Kings came out of the blocks as they did in the first few games. Guy Miller had the best chance in the 17th min, only the post getting in his way. However, just 1 minute later, the midfielder made up for the missed opportunity. A long range effort from Miller snuck in under Para keeper Paul Reilly. Kings 1-0 up after 20mins and looking dangerous. Defenders Klimek and Stokes were holding strong and controlling the back line while mids Martinello, Trimboli and Caraccia pressed with lots of forward pressure.

Unfortunately for Kings fans, this is the best we saw of our lads for the rest of the day. Para pressed and put a tonne of pressure on the Kings defense- getting themselves right back in the game. Luckily the Kings went into the sheds 1-0 after seeing off a few Para chances late in the half.

The 2nd half started like the end of the 1st… Kings being forced to sit back and knock it around- keeping possession but unable to press forward. Pat Caraccia was replaced with young Alex Demasi in the 50th min and he instantly brought some run into the game. However just 10mins later, the Kights had their reward. After more pressure, a long ball, fast forwards and some below par defending, the shot on goal made it past keeper John Hall and we were locked at 1-1.

More changes were made with young Maio and Vivian being introduced into the game. Para were clearly looking the more likely to score again- hitting the crossbar not once, but twice late in the game. Defender Jarrod Brazzale found himself unmarked in the 18 yard box from a gem of a free kick from Adam Martinello. Unfortunately for the Kings, the Alex Kosmina medalist couldnt get the connection to put the ball in the back of the net. Final whistle went not long after, and for me, a good point away from home when we were the 2nd best team on the day. Kings 1, Para Hills 1.

Earlier in the day, Steve Pepper’s under 18′s continued their winning run with a 3-1 win. Back to back wins and 3 goals to their name, Great work lads! From there, an undermanned Reserves side squandered multiple chances and a 2-0 lead late in the game, to draw 2-2 with the Knights. Gaffa Adam Vizzari would be disappointed with the way the game finished- being 2-0 up in the last 5 mins- just couldnt see it out.

Round 4 sees all 3 sides back at Polonia Reserve for a top of the table clash against unbeaten Adelaide Olympic. Winner will go top and make the league stand up and take notice. We had a sensational crowd at our first home game… lets get all these supporters and more down to the club THIS WEEK to cheer our lads on!

U`18′s: 10:30 kick off
Reserves: 12:45 kick off
Seniors: 3pm kick off

ROUND 3 RESULTS
U18′s: 3-1 win
Reserves: 2-2 draw
Seniors: 1-1 draw

HEJ POLONIA!