A brace from skipper Ricardo Da Silva ensured that Croatia stays on top of the table with 8 games to go. Croatia having come off a defeat to Cumberland United last week needed to win against a determined Playford outfit.
In the opening stages of the game, it was Playford City who started the more settled of the two sides, looking to challenge Croatia from set pieces. As the game wore on Croatia got into their rhythm and created the better of the chances in the first half. 15 minutes in and Donatien Niyonkuru, should have made it 1-0 for Croatia, Niyonkuru was unable to divert Rhys Thompsons driven cross inside the area. Oliver Trimboli midway through the first half then spurned a golden opportunity for Croatia, his strike inside the penalty box beat the outstretched keeper however narrowly drifted past the far hand post. Playford made it 1-0 at the 48th minute, Adam D’Agastino profiting off a goal mouth scramble after Croatia Goalkeeper John Solari misjudged the flight of the ball.
Matters were made worse for Croatia 55 minutes in, Jacob Van Der Hout received his marching orders for retaliation on Playford midfielder Matthew Capone. The remaining 40 minutes saw, determination and heart from the Croatia players, Omari Didero stepped up into midfield and lead by example. Croatia deservedly equalised in the 60th minute through Ricardo Da Silva, Alex Gountounas lofted pass played through Da Silva who lofted his volley over Playford keeper Luke Ostbyte and into the back of the net. Both sides created half chances, Joseph Costa and Isaac Mullen going close for their respective sides. Cometh the moment cometh the man, with 10 minutes to go Da Silva saved the day for Croatia. Rhys Thompsons pinpoint cross was met by Da Silva who looped his header into the top right-hand corner, to send the Croatia supporters into raptures. In stoppage time, Playford thought they’d equalised, Jackson Kurtz header from point blank range, saved by Solari who acted instinctively.
NPL State League 1 is so tightly contested, Croatia currently leads on goal difference to Adelaide Cobras. Croatia face 3rd placed Adelaide Blue Eagles this Saturday 3pm at the Croatian Sports Centre.
