Para Hills and White City played out a 0-0 draw in Round 6 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia at The Paddocks on Saturday. 

Warriors attacker Nikola Mileusnic was the closest to breaking the deadlock, his second half effort cracking the woodwork. 

Para Hills striker Frank Marafioti said after conceding seven goals in two matches, the Knights were pleased to get a clean sheet. 

“I thought we performed well, our defensive work especially,” he noted. 

“Not losing and keeping a clean sheet was a big positive for us. That was one thing we wanted to get out of the game. Simon [Catanzaro] was happy about that. 

“I thought we created a few chances, but the final ball was lacking. We didn’t lose, but you do want to be winning your games at home.” 

White City coach Sergio Melta was frustrated his side did not gain maximum points. 

“It’s disappointing given the chances we had. We should have put the game away by the end of the first half,” he mentioned. 

“I can’t fault the effort, but there was a lack of thought. It would have been a different game had we scored, but our decision making and finishing was below par. These are two dropped points. 

“Defensively we were sound, now it’s a matter of putting it in the back of the net. The guys are working hard, but we need to make it happen, to be more inventive. Teams aren’t going to just give you goals.” 

Knights goalkeeper Tim Ramsey was called upon twice in the opening half hour, firstly to deny Joseph Zawko’s angled drive. 

Zawko then led a counter attack which ended with Mileusnic’s near-post attempt being beaten away by the custodian. 

The Knights best chance of the half fell to Steven Ward, who drilled a shot straight at Joshua Negrean from Ben De Bono’s pass. 

Mileusnic was a constant threat in the second half, highlighting his presence in the opening minutes with a solo run which ended with Ramsey getting an arm to his shot. 

Chad Bugeja found the tricky winger with a fine long pass, but Mileusnic could only strike the near post with Ramsey struggling to get close. 

Less than 60 seconds later it was Bugeja’s turn to feel the frustration as Ramsey diverted his long-range effort out for a corner. 

It was all White City in front of goal as Mileusnic then attempted to chip the Knights goalkeeper, only to hit the side netting. 

Zawko’s close-range header was deflected just wide of the target by defender Matthew Marchioro.

Bugeja skipped past players on the edge of the penalty area only to see his shot skim wide of the upright.

Article by Luca Cetta - @l_cetta