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!