R5 Preview - Croydon Kings vs. MetroStars

We preview Round 5 in the National Premier Leagues - SA competition as Croydon Kings host North Eastern MetroStars at Polonia Reserve on Saturday afternoon.

Croydon Kings are coming off a 1-1 draw to top of the table Adelaide Olympic but can be encouraged by their performance after a positive start to the season. They are currently 3rd on the ladder with 8 points.

On the other hand, MetroStars are coming off a brilliant 4-1 win over Adelaide Comets last Saturday night (highlights here) and will be hopeful of a positive result to put pressure on the top of the table..

Comets started the better of the two sides and opened the scoring on 4 minutes through their Afghan international Omid Popalzay. Comets continued to press but poor finishing prevented them from going 2 or 3 up. Metro then got themselves back into the game on 27 minutes when Scott Nagel followed through on Rocky Callisto in the box. Christian Esposito converted the resulting penalty and we went into the break at 1-1.

The second half belonged to MetroStars who won the individual battles all the over the park. We took the lead on 59 minutes as Lachlan Barr finished off a Hamish Gow corner. Half time substitute Fabian Barbiero rolled back with the years with a fabulous effort reminiscent of his A-League days on 71 minutes to give Metro a 3-1 lead. Rocky Callisto continued his brilliant run of form and notched up Metro's 4th goal on 81 minutes. It was delightful cross from Stefan Cali at the far post and Callisto headed home with precision.

Photo credit: Adam Butler

Coach Robbie Saraceno will be expecting more of the same from his players this Saturday night. Antony Solagna is doubtful as he recovers from the knee injury that forced him out of our win over Comets. Tim Henderson is still on the long term injury list.

Come and join us Saturday for a huge day of football! Alternatively, you can follow live updates on our Twitter @NE_MetroStars or by using the hashtag #MetroStars.

Referee Appointments:

Daniel Elder - Referee

Riley Cowan - Assistant Referee 1

Ian Crossing - Assistant Referee 2

Croydon Kings vs. MetroStars Saturday 16th March - 3:00PM Polonia Reserve, Croydon Park