Comeback Stars Win Again

Written by Antonis Pangonis

NPL SA: Round 10 wrap (theinnersanctum.com.au)

The North Eastern MetroStars do not do things the easy way up at TK Shutter Reserve and that was once again on display against the Sturt Lions. A replay of last year’s elimination final saw Metro seeking revenge for being prematurely knocked out in 2021, but it was anything but a positive start for the hosts.

Just five minutes into the match, Gonzalo Rodriguez re-adjusted his feet to finish an inviting cross from close range to give the Lions the lead away from home. Lino Fusco’s side played their role perfectly in the first half, frustrating the hosts and taking their lead to the sheds.

If it is one side that a comeback is expected from it is Metro who have made a habit out of digging holes for themselves only to produce a late escape. An hour into this encounter, Hamish Gow’s neat header across goals started another comeback for the team from the North East.

The scores were only level for another 10 minutes, with Ariath Piol continuing his strong record this season and scoring from close range, before Christian Esposito put the exclamation mark on yet another comeback with a booming volley that left Lions’ goalkeeper James Klappers helpless.

MetroStars 3 (Gow, Piol, Esposito)

Sturt Lions 2

Photo - Adam Butler