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!