Match Report
On paper the standings were lopsided — NE MetroStars 1st with 43 points, South Adelaide Panthers 12th with 11, 32 apart. In league terms the two rates read 1.36/2.86 for South Adelaide Panthers and 2.32/1.27 for NE MetroStars (scored/conceded per game); the competition average is 1.84.
Defeat had not touched NE MetroStars in 11 games. Over the last five, South Adelaide Panthers had taken 5 of 15 points to NE MetroStars's 11.
The head-to-head ledger counts 5 games: 0 South Adelaide Panthers wins, 4 for NE MetroStars, 1 draw, at 4 goals per meeting. Hosting has counted for little in this fixture — the home side has won only 40% of those meetings. Expect goals on precedent — three or more in 80% of the meetings.
O'Sullivans Beach Sports & Community Centre staged the fixture, a ground that holds 12,000. Half-time and full-time told different stories: South Adelaide Panthers led 1-0 at the break, before 3 more goals closed it at 1-3.
Goal scorers
South Adelaide Panthers: J. Rideout (8') · NE MetroStars: Cameron Woodfin (57'), L. Czapla (89'), N. Ren (55')
Key stats
Total shots: 11-18 · On target: 8-9 · Corners: 4-7