National Premier League Preview - Campbelltown City v Raiders

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By Luca Cetta


Campbelltown City v Raiders

South Australian Premier League Second Elimination Final

 
When: Sunday, September 1st, Kick-off 2:30pm
Where: Steve Woodcock Sports Centre, Stradbroke Road, NEWTON
 
Teams:
 
Campbelltown City: Les Pogliacomi (GK), Vas Parhas ( C )Calvin Mbarga, Michael Matricciani,  Dion Kirk, Shaun Harvey, Stephen Maio, Jake Halliday, Oliver Totani, Anthony Ture, Dominic Matricciani, Harris Vuckic, Todd McSorley Nathan Mauriello, Michael Paleka, Peter Tirimacco(RGK)
 
Raiders: Dan Atkins (GK), Shane Tobias (c), Evan Metanomski, Jackson Stephens, Jordan O'Doherty, Alemayo Kebede, Brandon Reeves, Tony Cann, Jordan Elliott, Michael Cartwright, Dylan Pickert, Mimi Saric, Daniel Pritchard, Daniel Bakewell (RGK)
 
Form:
 
Campbelltown City: W L D
 
Round 24: Adelaide Cobras 1-3 Campbelltown City, Weigall Oval
Round 25: Campbelltown City 2-3 Raiders, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Round 26: Adelaide Comets 2-2 Campbelltown City, Santos Stadium
 
Raiders: W W L
 
Round 24: Raiders 3-1 Enfield City, Croatian Sports Centre
Round 25: Campbelltown City 2-3 Raiders, Steve Woodcock Sports Centre
Round 26: Raiders 0-3 MetroStars, Croatian Sports Centre
 
Preview:
 
Two sides with lofty ambitions clash as Campbelltown City host Raiders in the Second Elimination Final at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Sunday.
 
Campbelltown won just one of their last three regular season matches, failing to secure the double chance.
 
Striker Michael Matricciani admits they have not been at their best, but remains confident.
 
“We have been a bit below par recently. However, we talked about a few things and we go in confident that we can progress in the Finals,” said Matricciani.
 
The Red Devils, contesting their first Finals Series since 2010, were defeated by Raiders a fortnight ago.
 
Matricciani says they can learn from that and doesn’t believe there is outside pressure to succeed.
 
“Campbelltown are a big club and want to do well, but there isn’t additional pressure put on us. We are ambitious and think we can do well. There are some things to work on but we know we are dangerous going forward.
 
“It’s probably a blessing that we just played Raiders. We know their strengths and their weaknesses.”
 
Six wins in eight matches towards the end of the season secured Raiders spot in the Finals series for the second season running.
 
Adrian Macolino says they came good when required.
 
“Our form has been really good lately. We got the results we needed towards the end and are working hard at training under Carl Maynard,” said Macolino.
 
Raiders were eliminated at this stage last season, but were impressive in their recent showdown against Campbelltown.
 
Macolino says they can take plenty from that encounter.
 
“We are positive we can go far in the Finals. I think our recent form has been better than most. On our day we can beat any team, if we stick to our plan then we know we can succeed.
 
“The win gives us confidence, but we know this time is a lot tougher given the stakes. Campbelltown are a good side and it will be a hard match.”