In the second week of the South Australia NPL Finals Series, premiers MetroStars take a 2-0 aggregate lead into the second leg match-up with West Adelaide at TK Shutter Reserve.
In the first leg at Adelaide Shores Football Centre, league top scorer Perry Mitris scored a brace to give MetroStars full control heading into their home tie.
Metro goalkeeper Daniel Godley said his team played well in the first leg.
“We came out and had control of the first 45 minutes. We wanted to get our noses in front and not get into a chasing position,” Godley said.
“We probably backed off in the end and they had a lot of the possession, but overall we were happy with the performance.”
Despite the lead, Godley said Metro would approach Saturday’s game in the same way that they approached the first match.
“They’re a good attacking team, so you don’t want to try to defend a 2-0 lead against them,” he said.
“We couldn’t be in a better position. We’re happy with where we are and you couldn’t look for a better preparation.”
Meanwhile, West Adelaide – who finished the season in second – have it all to do in the second leg.
Attacker Thomas Briscoe said West Adelaide performed poorly last week compared to their usual standard.
“We discussed at training this week that we focused too much on what Metro were going to do and we didn’t give ourselves any freedom,” Briscoe said.
“Second half it got a bit better, but compared to what we’re usually up to, it wasn’t too good.”
Briscoe said West Adelaide have amped up training this week, particularly with high intensity small-sided games.
“It’s sort of a nothing to lose game this week. If we go with a bit of freedom, you never know what can happen,” he said.
“We’re doing four nights of training this week and we’re focusing largely on our own game plan, not so much Metro’s this time.”
MetroStars won the minor premiership after finishing eight points ahead of second-placed West Adelaide.
South Australia National Premier League Finals Series Week 2
MetroStars v West Adelaide
When: Saturday, August 30th. Kick off 2:30pm
Where: TK Shutter Reserve, Fourth Ave, KLEMZIG