Campbelltown City and Adelaide Blue Eagles shared the points following a 1-1 draw in Round 8 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Saturday. 

Yvan Boyokino gave the visitors a half-time lead in this top of the table showdown between the local rivals, but Michael Matricciani’s equaliser inside the final 10 minutes restored parity. 

Campbelltown coach Joe Mullen said his side improved as the match went on. 

“In the first half we were below where we have been this season. In the second we were a lot better, we put pressure on them and got into the game,” Mullen stated. 

“My words at the break were to move it quicker, to put them under pressure. Simple things we had done all year but not in the first half. I thought we were timid, but credit to the players as they came back strong. 

“We were fortunate with the goal, but in the end we’ll take it. Credit to the guys, they stuck to the task and improved where they had to against a good Blue Eagles team.” 

Blue Eagles defender Chris Annicchiarico says the team was left disappointed to not get three points in a match between two of the early pacesetters. 

“It was a good performance, unfortunately we didn’t get all three points. But Campbelltown are a quality unit, so we’ll take the point,” he noted. 

“Gianluca [Lagati] was happy with how we were playing and we were just disappointed to concede late, but that’s football. We’ll pick ourselves up and carry on. 

“We hope we will be up amongst the leading sides by the end. It’s our aim and we have to keep going. Campbelltown will also be up there.” 

The visitors took the lead just past the half-hour mark. Andrej Rastovac’s corner was finished by Boyokino after goalkeeper Ben Moore misjudged the flight and the attacker scrambled the ball over the line from close range. 

Boyokino nearly doubled the advantage soon after, but Moore was equal to the effort after the striker cut on to his left foot and fired at goal. 

Matricciani launched a drive from distance early in the second half that drew a fine save from Blue Eagles goalkeeper Michael Catford. 

Campbelltown were gifted an equaliser with 10 minutes left on the clock. Catford’s goal kick went straight to Matricciani, who maintained his composure to hold off despairing defenders and slot his shot into the bottom corner. 

The result ensures both teams remain level on 18 points, alongside West Adelaide at the top of the table.

Article by Luca Cetta - @l_cetta