Japanese forward Masahiro Haruoka earned his first start and young gun Chris Vivian made his starting debut at right back. The experienced Alex Sunasky also returned to the starting 11. Skipper Lukasz Klimek and defender Kerrin Stokes were forced to watch due to suspensions. Jarrod Brazzale took the Captains armband for this match.

The visitors looked to be on top early, but a desperate South pinched the lead in the 27th min with a tidy finish from the edge of the 18 yard box. The Kings slow play out from the back allowed the home side to pressure up and force the Kings to play long balls far too often. South had their tails up and were pushing hard for the 2nd.

Best chance for Croydon fell to Nathan Munro in the 40th min. A wonderful ball from Patty Caraccia found “Aru” down the wing… an equally as good cross by the new Japanese player wasnt able to be turned in from the arriving Munro. No talk from the rest of the boys, as Trimboli was coming in just behind him and could have tapped it in.South went into the break with a 1 goal lead. Plenty of work to do in the 2nd half for the Croydon boys!

After a tight few opening minutes, ex Panther “Aru” struck from almost the same spot as Souths goal in the first half! Great work from Caraccia in the middle opened up the pitch for Aru to strike! 1-1 with 35mins to play! The travelling Kings fans were up and about and cheering on their boys- urging for more!
South hit back and a rocket strike bounced off the crossbar and out to safety- thank God!

Nathan Munro had another few chances to finish the game in the second half, coming from quality delivery from Vivian and Martinello- just wasnt able to put it in the back of the net. A lightening quick Antoni Trimboli split the Panthers defense and was then clearly taken out by the goalkeeper outside the box which then sparked an all in brawl! A South player was rightfully sent off for his involvement in the brawl- but for some reason the goalkeeper himself was only yellow carded. Referee Gary Mooney really had to have the balls to show 2 red cards- 2 deserved red cards. A clear foul outside the box from the keeper- red card everyday of the week! None the less- the home side was down to 10 men.

Both teams had a chances in the last 10 mins. Keeper John Hall made a wonderful full stretch save to his left while Munro hit the crossbar from a glancing header- wasnt to be the strikers night. Unfortunately, the full time whistle went… along with 2 more points and a chance to keep up with the top 4. A strong second half by the Kings- but simply not good enough in the first half. A disappointing draw on a cold night for players and fans… but at least it wasnt a loss.

Saturday the Under 18’s and Reserves returned down South for their matches. First up the 18’s narrowly went down in a high scoring encounter, 5-4. Shortly after, Vizza’s reserves continued their good form this season with a 3-2 win. A mixed bag from the lads, but an even spread!

We now turn our attention to Round 14 next Saturday, back at home against the tough Para Hills. A vital 3 points up for grabs at home- a must win game if we want to challenge for the finals. Coaches Costanzo and Natale return this week… as well as Captain Klimek and key defender Stokes. Caraccia will miss due to having 5 yellow cards.

Be at Polonia Reserve this Saturday to cheer all 3 teams on and hopefully take all 9 points for the first time this season!

ROUND 13 RESULTS

Under 18’s: 5-4 loss

Reserves: 3-2 win

Seniors: 1-1 draw

HEJ POLONIA!

Costanzo’s side was strengthened with the return of forward Antoni Trimboli and the inclusion of Japanese winger Haruoka “Aru” Masahiro from South Adelaide.

A strong start to the game from the Croydon side- going out attacking and putting Comets on the back foot. Martinello & Caraccia running hard and making challenges stick. Keeper John Hall was relatively quiet which is always a good thing. A dominate first half was marred by the sending off of Captain Lukasz Klimek for a second yellow. Im not going to go on about the poor refereeing again- it happens week in and week out… but the Captain was very very unlucky to see red. Not long after, the half time whistle went and both teams were locked at 0-0… but the Kings were 1 man down.

Jarrod Brazzale led the team out in the second half. Some more “dubious” decisions rattled the Kings players and coaches, with both assistant coach Maurice Natale and then head coach Ange Costanzo asked to watch from the other side of the fence. The Comets then started to dominate the half, making use of the extra man. Hall was a bit busier but completely controlled his 18 yard box with safe hands and strong claims. Stefanopoulos was replaced with new signing Aru with almost immediate response! The pacy winger was involved in multiple defensive clearances and provided run down the right. Pete Mercurio also came on for the impressive Zade Heinicke not long after.

On the stroke of 77mins, a brilliant early cross for an under pressure Mercurio was met with the diving head of Aru and into the back of the net! The Kings with the lead against the odds! A brilliant goal that sent the crowd wild! But the 10 men of Croydon didnt park the bus… the press and drive was still there. We were on the front foot again, and 10mins later, in the 86th min we were 2 to the good! Some solid defending from the back 4 found Aru on the right wing. A pin point pass by the impressive Japanese, slicing the defense apart with a gem of a ball to the hard running Nathan Munro. The in form striker took a couple nice touches before slotting under the keeper! 2-0 and game was done!

The Kings managed to weather one last Comets storm and keep the clean sheet! A very impressive win from the lads- couldnt be prouder of each and every one of them. They all showed heart, guts and sheer determination. Not only that, but back to back wins since the first 2 games of the season.

Unfortunately the Under 18s and Reserves were unable to take home any points in the earlier games. The 18’s went down 4-2 and the Reserves lost 2-1. No doubt both sides will pick their socks up for the South Adelaide game next Saturday.

Next week (round 13) we make the long treck down south to take on the bottom of the table Panthers. A game not to take lightly! Make sure we all get down to the O’Sullivans Beach Sporting Complex THIS FRIDAY NIGHT (7th June) for a 7pm kick off. The 18’s and reserves will play on Saturday.

ROUND 12 RESULTS
U18’s: 4-2 loss
Reserves: 2-1 loss
Seniors: 2-0 win

HEJ POLONIA!