Esposito Double Secures Victory

North Eastern MetroStars have moved six points clear at the top of the National Premier League - SA table, with a 3-0 victory over Para Hills at TK Shutter Reserve today.

A double by Christian Esposito, playing his 50th match for the club, within three minutes just after half time, was enough to give the Stars' the victory.

Esposito scored his ninth goal for the season, taking his tally to 31 goals from 50 matches with MetroStars, while Tom Strain scored just before half time to also take his season's goal tally to 9 goals.

The Knights nearly took the lead inside the first five minutes, but their free kick sailed over the bar. Moments later, MetroStars nearly scored through Michael D'Aloisio, but it was to no avail.

Esposito came close to breaking the deadlock at the half hour mark, but his free kick hit the crossbar, and the follow up by Liam Wooding hit the upright.

The match was played at a fast pace, and the Knights again came close to scoring, but their counter attack saw a shot hit the post, and fail to cross the goal line.

Strain finally broke the deadlock just before half time, when a long ball over the top of the defenders found Strain who blasted home for the lead.

Just after half time, Strain thought he had doubled the lead, but his goal was deemed offside.

But it didnt take long for MetroStars to double their lead, when Esposito cleverly controlled the ball and slotted past Tim Ramsay in the 52nd minute.

Three minutes later, Esposito made it 3-0 when Wooding crossed to find the striker free and score from close range.

The 3-0 victory see's MetroStars on 30 points, six points ahead of Adelaide City, who lost on Friday night to Adelaide Comets.

MetroStars 3 (Esposito 52',55', Strain 41') Para Hills 0 MetroStars - Carmody, Cali, Barr, D'Aloisio, Davis (Shaksi 70'), Solagna, Dawber (Jakob 56'), Morris (Callisto 76'), Wooding, Esposito, Strain. Para Hills - Ramsay, Biar, Marchioro, Butler, Stephens, Calalancia (Truscott 56'), Bailey, Mullen (Yoshida 65'), Ndjekompte (Mayol 65'), Piantedosi, Sumaoro.