Words: Michael Flynn

South Australian club Metrostars SC are the 2014 Playstation 4 NPL Champions after defeating Bonnyrigg White Eagles 1-0 at Lambert Park in Sydney on Saturday.

A third minute goal from former Hyundai A-League player Fabian Barbiero ultimately proved decisive in the tense decider.

Barbiero met a left-sided cross with a well-timed strike to secure MetroStars a place in next year’s Westfield FFA Cup in addition to their first PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues title.

Both sides created further chances but ultimately were unable to take advantage of their opportunities.

A corner from Steven Grelli forced Bonnyrigg goalkeeper James Chronopoulos to save on 21 minutes, while Nikola Zonjic saw his goal for the New South Wales Premiers overturned for offside four minutes later.

Perry Mitris missed the target with an angled attempt shortly before Bonnyrigg spurned a pair of chances to close out the half.

On 40 minutes, Tynan Diaz’s cross was defused by MetroStars goalkeeper Daniel Godley before Bo Hyun Chun shot just wide of the target immediately prior to the break.

Immediately after the restart Grelli again forced Chronopoulos to save, while Dylan Fox turned Diaz’s cross over the crossbar from a corner at the other end.

Diaz continued to threaten with a stunning run down the right on 55 minutes, however Godley again proved up to task to shut-down the cross.

After the hour, MetroStars failed to double their advantage as Anthony Solagna fired over the top of the goal after breaking through the Bonnyrigg defence and Mitris again missed the target shortly after.

Bonnyrigg’s final chance at an equaliser was closed down by brave defending as Diaz volleyed into the defensive line from Alex Mansueto’s cross.

The win marks the first time a South Australian club has won the PlayStation 4 NPL Grand Final, after New South Wales club Sydney United 58 claimed the title last year.

Bonnyrigg White Eagles 0
Metrostars SC 1 (Fabien BARBIERO 3’)