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!