City let two-goal lead slip against Croydon

Adelaide City will be lamenting its 2-2 draw against Croydon FC at Adelaide City Park on Saturday afternoon in Round 18 of the RAA National Premier League.

The Black and Whites squandered a two-goal advantage after conceding two second-half goals in the space of eight minutes, before ending the match with 10 men.

Yuki Kitano opened the scoring inside seven minutes and Luis Lawrie-Lattanzio added a second straight after the interval, but substitute Oliver Trimboli stuck twice with a pair of close-ranges finishes.

The hosts made a bright start to the contest when Kitano scored for the second successive week to register his 12th league goal of the season, capitalising on a goalkeeping error.

Daniel Margush’s failed clearance fell to Domenic Costanzo who fired a first-time shot on goal which fell to the feet of the Japanese striker to divert the ball home.

Despite a dominant half from Vas Parhas’ side, they were unable to increase their lead.

Their endeavour was rewarded immediately following the re-start.

An incisive exchange of passes in midfield found Costanzo on the left flank and he curled a delightful ball to the back post which was squared by Asad Kasumovic to Lawrie-Lattanzio for a simple tap-in. It was the attacker’s fourth goal of the campaign.

However, from there the match unravelled and City were left to rue the final 35 minutes of the contest with the introduction of Trimboli turning the match on its head.

City’s impervious defence, which has been the competition’s stingiest all year was uncharacteristically breached twice in quick succession.

Edward Styles received a one-two from a short corner before his low drive met Trimboli who scored at the second time of asking after he was initially denied by John Hall from point-plank range.

The equaliser arrived less than 10 minutes later. Adam Martinello’s deep cross was kept alive at the far post by Pasia John, heading back across to Trimboli and his first time effort found the bottom corner to complete his brace.

City’s woes were compounded when they had to negotiate the final 20 minutes down a man after Nicholas Francese was sent off for a high foot challenge.

An auspicious start ultimately concluded in disappointment for the home side and know they cannot afford to drop anymore points if they are to claim the league title.

City, third, have the perfect opportunity to bounce back and usurp ladder leaders West Torrens Birkalla with a win in their next match, who they currently trail by two points with four games remaining.

Match Details

Adelaide City 2 (Kitano 7’, Lawrie-Lattanzio 46’)

Croydon FC 2 (Trimboli 56’, 64’)

RAA National Premier League – Round 18

Saturday, 18 July 2026

Adelaide City Park