The first week of the 2025 NPL SA finals series saw Adelaide United visit Frank Mitchell Park to take on the fourth-placed FK Beograd in a tense Elimination Final.
A rapid response to an early setback
After a rough fortnight and two heavy losses, a positive start was crucial for Adelaide United away at FK Beograd. Despite matching their hosts’ intensity, the Young Reds conceded early chances, with Lorenzo Boselli’s effort cannoning off Max Vartuli’s bar, with the goalkeeper intervening to save a Jason Konstandopoulos shot minutes later.
The visitors could not deny Beograd in the 26th minute when a corner was headed into a dangerous area by Alex Bandjak, before Boselli finished the chance off on the goal line to rapturous celebrations. Instead of folding, the Young Reds buckled down and brought the game level only six minutes later when Beograd were unable to deal with a looping, hopeful ball, allowing Amlani Tatu to latch onto it before deftly placing it into Jamie Signorello’s far bottom corner.
Bringing the game level after a shaky start would have been a great achievement going into the break, but Adelaide United went one better when they forced a turnover in the 40th minute that led to Ryan White winning and converting a penalty with minutes to go before the break. Recent weeks have seen the Young Red struggle to get games back on their terms after falling behind, so managing to do so on such a major occasion and in such swift fashion is a strong sign of character for a young group.
Ryan White celebrates firing Adelaide United ahead from the penalty spot (Image: Pagonis Photography)
A herculean effort inspired by a moment of madness
After overturning their deficit, Adelaide United made a much more comfortable start to the second half and reached the hour mark in control of the match. That all changed when Beograd’s Yudai Koike fouled Bailey O’Neil during an attack.
While there was initially no reaction, O’Neil eventually confronted Koike with what seemed to be a headbutt, which sparked a melee that the ground stewards had to rush over to de-escalate. When temperatures cooled and referee Regis Queffelec had consulted his assistants, he decided Koike and Boselli deserved yellow cards, while O’Neil received a straight red card, making the walk down the tunnel past a rowdy Beograd crowd. Immediately joining him was teammate Harry Crawford, who received his second booking, leaving the Young Reds with nine men in one fell swoop.
With their inexperienced opponents facing a severe numerical disadvantage for 20 minutes plus injury time, the home side could smell blood in the water. Despite the adverse circumstances, the Young Reds fought tooth and nail to repel whatever Beograd launched into their box until the referee’s final whistle, sealing a memorable victory and passage to the next stage of the finals series.
A melee left Adelaide United with two players sent off (Image: Pagonis Photography)
MetroStars await
Adelaide United’s progression to the Semi-Final as the lowest-ranked Elimination Final winner means that they will be taking on the Premiers, MetroStars. The two sides always raise their games to play each other, as evidenced by the two entertaining draws they have contested this season.
MetroStars have been South Australia’s best local side for the past three years, but they are missing the crucial piece of silverware to accompany their claim. Filled by a mix of young talent and experience in every line and a hunger to tick the one box that remains unticked, Danny Graystone’s side will definitely be a handful for Elvis Markov’s young charges.
On the other hand, Adelaide United have shown that they can flick the switch and fully utilise their talent when the time comes. Against MetroStars in 2025, we have seen both the good and the bad. In their first encounter of the season, the Young Reds surrendered a two-goal lead to a draw in their match before they were able to claim a gutsy point at T.K. Shutter Reserve despite being heavily depleted.
What they will be able to produce in 180 minutes against the best team in the league is anyone’s guess. We can guarantee it will be a ride!
After drawing their two encounters in the regular season, Adelaide United and MetroStars will be playing off for a Grand Final spot (Image: Pagonis Photography)
Full Time
FK Beograd 1 (Boselli)
Adelaide United 2 (Tatu, White)
