Holder MetroStars advances to last four of soccer’s FFA Cup SA

METROSTARS coach Robbie Saraceno says his side’s bid for double glory is gaining momentum after the Klemzig club advanced to the last four of the FFA Cup SA..

METROSTARS coach Robbie Saraceno says his side’s bid for double glory is gaining momentum after the Klemzig club advanced to the last four of the FFA Cup SA.

The cup holder downed a determined Croydon Kings 4-2 in a seesawing quarter-final at TK Shutter Reserve on Saturday to move within one win of the Hindmarsh Stadium decider.

With his side also sitting third on the SA Premier League table, Saraceno said belief was building at the midway point of the campaign.

“One of the things we talked about at the start of the year was that we wanted to challenge for all of the trophies that were available,” Saraceno said.

“The boys have got a confidence about them and it doesn’t matter who they play against, they back themselves to go on and win.

“It’s an exciting time around the club.

“But we also know that as quickly as you’ve done good work, it can all go out the window if you don’t keep concentrating and making sure you go through the process to get those results.”

MetroStars took a 30th minute lead thanks to a Liam Wooding penalty before Kings’ winger Rocky Visconte equalised just after half-time.

Former Adelaide United forward Wooding again put the hosts in front, but Anthony Trimboli squared the ledger 21 minutes from time.

A red card to Croydon’s Paul Radice proved the turning point as goals to Jonathan Negus and Christian Esposito sealed the result.

“The pressure meant there were a lot of turnovers by both teams but ultimately in front of goal we were more clinical than they were,” Saraceno said.

“We had to take it to the next level, but we’ve done a lot of work on our fitness to be able to run the 90 minutes out.”

Adelaide City beat Campbelltown City 2-1 and West Torrens Birkalla saw off Para Hills 2-0 in Saturday’s other quarter-finals.

Adelaide Blue Eagles face third-tier Gawler at Marden Sports Complex in the remaining tie on Monday night (7pm kick-off).

The winner of the FFA Cup SA will represent the state in the national knockout competition.

Liam Wooding scored a brace in MetroStars’ 4-2 win over Croydon Kings in the FFA Cup SA quarter-finals. Picture: Calum Robertson Source:News Corp Australia