NPL Mens Season 2018 underway

Adelaide Comets opened the 2018 National Premier League SA season with a 3-0 win against West Torrens Birkalla at SA Athletics Stadium on Sunday.

Comets Senior Coach, Theo Tsiounis, said that he was pleased with the result.

“It was good to get on the board in the first round of the 2018 season,” he said.

“It was a disjointed game that highlighted areas that we need to improve in.”

Heading in to half time, scores were level with neither side able to capitalise. It wasn’t until the 68th minute when a penalty was awarded to Comets and Birkalla were reduced to 10 men following a send-off for Oliver Zafiridis, that a change in the game was achieved.

Allan Welsh stepped up, easily finding the back of the net against Birkalla keeper, Joe Gauci.

Welsh added another to his tally in the 86th minute and a third came from Theo Balomenos late in the match prior to the full-time whistle.

Tsiounis told that his side were reminded at half time where to focus and that he was happy with the entire squads performance.

“It was a fairly even game with limited opportunities being created from either side.

“At half time the coaching staff reiterated some of the key points that were mentioned pre-game.

“It is very difficult to select one player that stood out in the match, I think that everyone involved contributed and helped the team get over the line.”

Focus now switches to Round 2 as Comets travel to Smith Partners Stadium on Sunday and take on Adelaide United.

Tsiounis anticipates a tight encounter.

“Adelaide United Youth Team are a good, technical side,” he told.

“I think it will be a close game with both teams looking to pick up points.”

National Premier League SA Round 2
Sunday 25 February
Seniors KO 5pm
U20s KO 3pm
U18s KO 1pm

Round 1 Results
Seniors: Adelaide Comets 3 (A. Welsh 2, T. Balomenos) West Torrens Birkalla 0
U20s: Adelaide Comets 2 (P. Kopsafitis, K. Yengi) West Torrens Birkalla 1
U18s: Adelaide Comets 3 (T. Yengi 2, T. Tsialafos) West Torrens Birkalla 2

https://www.facebook.com/AdelaideCometsFC/videos/10156114252668711/