Must win for Campbelltown in Round 23

While MetroStars marches towards the finals, Campbelltown City’s place in the top six is not assured ahead of their South Australia NPL meeting on Saturday.

Campbelltown got their campaign back on track last weekend, the victory over Western Strikers just their second in ten matches.

Michael Matricciani admits it was the win they needed.

“It was a good, solid performance. I think we played well with a few adjustments made from recent games,” he said.

“We have been underperforming, so hopefully the momentum from that win carries through the final weeks of the season. We have the players to make a big dent in this league.”

The Red Devils are currently goal difference outside the six, suffering a ten goal swing compared to Adelaide City. They have a tough finish and after facing MetroStars meet Raiders, City and West Adelaide. Yet Matricciani says this could be a blessing.

“We are looking forward to it. Playing against the ‘top’ teams we seem to rise to the challenge. And if we make the finals, we’d have to play these sides.

“MetroStars have proven this year they are the best team. It will be a good challenge.

“We’ve been working on our defensive structure lately and the key is to limit chances to the opposition and make the most of ours in attack.”

MetroStars' win against Raiders was their 11th straight triumph and saw them move six points clear of the chasing pack.

Lee Robertson says the message from Coach Ivan Karlovic is to keep going.

“We got the job done. The conditions were tough and Raiders came out at us, so it was good to get the points,” the defender stated.

“Ivan’s not looked to change much. His message is to continue doing the simple things and to keep up the work rate.

“Everybody is fit and firing and we feel we’re in a good position. At this stage we have a full squad, which is nice heading towards the finals.”

Like the Red Devils, the league leaders have a difficult conclusion to the minor round – including contests with Adelaide Blue Eagles and West Adelaide.

Robertson says that starting with Campbelltown, the 2012 champions can show they are a force to be reckoned with.

“Certainly it’s a tough run home. This is the business end of the season and if we want to be one of the best we have to show it.

“Playing Campbelltown is always huge for both clubs, always a big contest. They’ll come out hard and so will we.”

South Australia National Premier League Round 23
Campbelltown City v MetroStars
When:
 Saturday, July 26th, Kick-off 3pm
Where: Steve Woodcock Sports Centre, Stradbroke Road, NEWTON

Full SA National Premier League Preview & Fixtures