Marino’s Double Knocks Comets out of Australia Cup
In a clash which saw two NPL SA heavyweights in Service FM collide, Campbelltown City defeated the Adelaide Comets for a place in this year’s Federation Cup Final. Marc Marino scored twice in the 2-0 victory. Campbelltown also join A-League side Adelaide United and fellow NPL powerhouse Modbury Jets in the Australia Cup Round of 32.
The Comets certainly had the better of the contest in the opening five minutes. Irabona had broken away in the sixth minute to cross the ball for LoBasso, however he couldn’t finish as he was caught off balance. The Comets absolutely destroyed Campbelltown early, despite having no goals to show for it.
Fernandez Garrido was offering plenty in attack for the Comets, in the 13th minute, he turned away from the Campbelltown defence and shot at goal. The ball still not finding the bottom corner, going just wide of the far post.
Campbelltown’s first real opportunity came in the 15th minute, when Josh Mori hit the ball after it entered from the throw-in, his connection wasn’t sweet, and neither was the finish as it fired wide.
Campbelltown began to gain a foothold in the game with multiple shots and corners being taken at then Northern end. However, the Comets were able to return serve and keep the score at 0-0.
LoBasso was next to attempt to score, running at the by-line his shot was crossed from a tight angle, ending on the roof of the net at the Southern end.
In the 38th minute, a long ball from Campbelltown keeper, Alexander Woodlands, would lead to a brilliant dink over the top from Alexander Mullen to find Mark Marino. Marino stretched to touch the ball just part the keeper and into the back of the net. The account open for Campbelltown, and a 1-0 lead.
Minutes into the second half and was nearly two for Campbelltown. Marino hit the ball across the face and hit the upright on the opposite side, moments later Mori hit the ball straight at the Comets keeper, Daniel Vaughan. Campbelltown started well in the second half, but were unable to trouble the scoresheet.
Irabona and LoBasso were dangerous on the wings for the Comets. Both were involved in a massive movement in the 50th minute, Irabona set up the cross, while the ball bounced just past the lurking LoBasso. Campbelltown keeper Woodlands was just able to parry it away.
In the 52nd minute, a penalty shout for Campbelltown was waved away as Mori was taken to ground, the referee decided that the ball was won in the tackle.
Irabona continued to strike for the Comets, his 60th minute shot deflected wide as tempered flared at ServiceFM. Ryan Yates and Alex Mullen were getting physical as the game progressed.
It was a stylish set piece for Marino’s second. His ball hit from outside the box found the net, it rocketed along the ground and into left bottom corner of the net. Marino was shortly withdrawn after, an injury precaution.
Multiple chances came for the Comets in the last 10, the best of which was from Irabona, who put it over the bar from 10 yards out. Quality of finishing certainly hurt the Comets.
Another chance came from Nathan Dimou in the 88th minute. His headed ball bouncing wide from the unmarked Dimou.
A late penalty chance came against Matsumoto, a handball shout being waved away after the officials called it had come off his chest.
After using all their substitutes, Nathan Karkafiris was withdrawn for an injury, meaning the Comets were down to 10.
In the third minute of six added on, Barresi tried to add the icing on the cake, he was unable to wrap his foot around the ball and turn it goalward.
After a seesawing game, it was the Comets who got the first start, but Campbelltown was victorious. Marino’s freekick doubled the lead and confirm a place for Campbelltown in the Australia Cup Round of 32 and the Federation Cup Final.
Both teams are back inaction in NPL with Adelaide Comets travelling to play Para Hills, while Campbelltown are at home against Adelaide Olympic. Both games kick off at 3pm on Saturday the 15th of June.