City suffer defeat to Birkalla

Adelaide City’s quest to zero in on top spot were dashed following a narrow 1-0 loss to West Torrens Birkalla at Jack Smith Park on Friday night.

George Blackwood’s 64th minute goal in somewhat contentious circumstances proved the difference on the night and hand City with back-to-back defeats in the RAA National Premier League.

It was a rather cagey contest to begin proceedings with the ladder leaders settling quicker without either goal troubled.

A Noah Smith half-volley from outside the box in the 26th minute was City’s only sight at goal in the first half, with Birkalla goalkeeper Nicholas Harpas equal to it thanks to his full-stretch stop.

The main talking point from the first 45 minutes was an injury scare to left-back Smith, who appeared to have sustained a knee injury following a marauding run forward just before the interval. He was duly replaced at half-time.

In the second stanza, Tzoi Tsarkani stung the gloves of John Hall when his long-range effort produced a diving save to his left.

However, just past the hour mark, the deadlock would be broken.

Yohei Matsumoto sent in a high cross into the box which goalkeeper John Hall appeared to be settled under, but Blackwood stood firm and headed beyond the gloveman.

Despite some remonstrations about a perceived foul for obstruction from the City players, including captain Nicholas Bucco, they were ultimately waved away by the referee.

The Black and Whites tried to push for an equaliser but struggled to find any real rhythm and fluidity in attack to generate consistent chances, which was a credit to the hosts’ defensive shape.

Bucco tested Harpas with a freekick, forced to parry the attempt away for a corner in what was just the second shot on target by the Zebras.

Vas Parhas’ side’s best chance arrived in the fourth minute of stoppage time when Oliver Western’s left-footed cross eventually fell to substitute Francesco Schimizzi, who saw his close-range effort smack off the crossbar.

It was a frustrating evening for the Black and Whites who will turn their attention to Campbelltown City at Adelaide City Park this Saturday night at 7:00pm.

Match Details

West Torrens Birkalla 1 (Blackwood 64’) 

Adelaide City 0

RAA National Premier League – Round 8

Friday, 1 May 2026

Jack Smith Park