R21 Preview - Croydon vs MetroStars

North Eastern MetroStars travel to Polonia Reserve to take on Croydon Kings in what could be the last ever match at the venue, in Round 21 of the National Premier League – SA competition. Polonia Reserve has been the Kings’ home venue since 1950, and with talks of an extension to South Road by the State Government meaning the club would need to relocate, the club is uncertain if they will play at the venue beyond this season. MetroStars’ supporters wont be happy to see the venue go, with the club never to have lost at Polonia Reserve in home and away fixtures. The club has won 8 matches and drawn 3 matches in the 11 meetings since 2000 at Polonia Reserve.

Image - Rocky Callisto in action against Croydon in 2012 at Polonia Reserve.

However, 2018 is a different season for both clubs. The Kings do not want the tag of being relegated the season after claiming the NPLSA title. They currently sit three points above Sturt Lions in the relegation zone, with the Kings ruing the chance to confirm survival of relegation last weekend after going down to Sturt Lions. On the other hand, MetroStars sit four points behind leaders Campbelltown City with two matches remaining, after a disappointing 2-1 loss at Para Hills last weekend. This makes this fixture a very important contest for both sides. Croydon vs MetroStars Saturday 28 July – 3pm Polonia Reserve, Croydon Park Last Five Matches MetroStars L W D W L Round 16 Olympic 3 MetroStars 0 Round 17 MetroStars 5 Sturt 3 Round 18 Comets 1 MetroStars 1 Round 19 MetroStars 2 Panthers 1 Round 20 Para Hills 2 MetroStars 1 Croydon W D D D L Round 16 Adel United 0 Croydon 2 Round 17 West Adel 1 Croydon 1 Round 18 Croydon 0 Olympic 0 Round 19 Croydon 1 Adel City 1 Round 20 Sturt Lions 2 Croydon 1 Number of Played Used This Season MetroStars 18 Croydon 23 Number of Clean Sheets This Season MetroStars 8 Croydon 3 Most Matches Played This Season

MetroStars Anthony Solagna 20 Justin Davis 20 Matthew Dawber 20 Croydon Adam Martinello 19 Luke Klimek 19 Nick Munro 19 Most Goals Scored This Season MetroStars Christian Esposito 17 Matthew Dawber 9 Thomas Strain 9 Croydon Paul Radice 5 Adrian D’Alfonso 4 Rocco Visconte 4