City surge into top spot of NPLSA ladder with crucial 1-0 win over Birkalla

Adelaide City has leapfrogged ladder leaders West Torrens Birkalla on the RAA National Premier League table thanks to a brilliant 1-0 win on Saturday.

It was a gritty performance from City who moved one point clear of Birkalla after second-place MetroStars also dropped points, suffering a surprise 3-1 loss to West Adelaide later that evening.

Domenic Costanzo proved a handful throughout the encounter and helped find the breakthrough for the hosts in the 14th minute via an own goal.

A deft first touch on the wing allowed the winger to drive forward and square a ball across the face of goal which was inadvertently turned home by Jared Clark.

Costanzo could have doubled the advantage seven minutes later but was denied by a sharp double save from goalkeeper Nick Harpas.

Both sides went into the half time break with seven shots apiece, though the Black and Whites held the deserved, slender lead.

Vas Parhas’ men were unfortunate not to make it 2-0 in the 58th minute when a sliding Yuki Kitano struck the underside of the crossbar from inside the six-yard box.

Patrick Carracia sprayed a delightful ball into the path of Asad Kasumovic and his low cross was met by an outstretched Kitano with his effort smacking the woodwork.

The Zebras had to finish the closing stages without Yared Abetew, succumbing to a suspected hamstring issue.

But they managed to withstand Birkalla’s pressure, due to their defensive discipline to secure the victory as the competition’s stingiest team recorded yet another clean sheet.

The triumph sent them provisionally top before it was cemented at the end of Round 19 following that Metro defeat to Hellas.

City will be back in action looking to maintain their position at the summit this Friday night against Campbelltown City at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre.

Match Details

Adelaide City 1 (Clark (OG) 14’)

West Torrens Birkalla 0

RAA National Premier League – Round 19

Saturday, 25 July 2026

Adelaide City Park