Marconi, 4pm Saturday 17th August 2019 (Home) - Elimination Final

The previous week had seen Croatia get past Manly at King Tom, and with Wollongong doing us a favour by beating Marconi, this gave us one last home game for the season. Anything after this will be played away from King Tom (there is a possible FFA Cup game in the unlikely event that we beat WSW and get a home draw against an NPL club), so this was to be the last home game before the long break. To add spice, it was a derby against eternal rivals Marconi. The sun was shining for the 4pm kick-off as I arrived at King Tom, and a good crowd was building up. My mate Sumo had even bought a jersey. We were the first at the bar on the hill as we settled in to watch what was to be a massive game. A late surge into the ground swelled the crowd to what looked like the 1800 mark or more and the atmosphere was electric.

The sun shines on the hill

Our win-less run against Marconi was stretching back to 2016, but I had a feeling that today was going to be our day. It was a perfect kick off time, great weather, a big crowd & a derby to boot to send off the season at home. A minutes’ silence was observed due to the sad passing of Bobby Perica, a long time supporter of the club who I had the pleasure of meeting. RIP Bobby. The SUS also honoured him with a banner. The early nerves were calmed by the obligatory VB and chevapi roll as the game kicked off. Mitch informed me that former player Joe Caleta was on the hill and arranged for me to interview him at half time; more on that later. Croatia started brightly and Maia forced the Marconi keeper into a decent stop after less than ten minutes. The crowd continued to flow in and the hill was heaving with a lengthy queue at the bar. The game then swung to the other end as a free kick in a dangerous position out on the right by Mallia forced Manos into a good save. Marconi had another chance when a cross was just missed at the far post at around the half an hour mark. The tension was rising in the stands as a smoke bomb went off in Gilligan’s corner. Man, the atmosphere at this place is second to none. No publicity, just word of mouth, and around 2,000 turn up to create the best atmosphere in the country. It’s like a European game: songs, drums, smoke bombs and flags. A few dangerous crosses from Croatia failed to connect in the box and the half time whistle went in an absorbing contest. This allowed me time to grab Joe Caleta and conduct the interview.

No Edensor, no party !

What was the first game that you attended?

It was when I was 14 years old, so 1981. I think it was against Marconi

Who was your favourite player watching Sydney Croatia?

Greg Smith

When the NSL ended, why did you not go to watch the A-League?

I just found it boring. There was no atmosphere.

What is your usual spot at King Tom for the game?

The Hill

Will there ever be promotion/relegation in Australia?

I hope so, but I do not know when that will actually be.

I am a jersey collector, what is your all time favourite Sydney Croatia jersey?

I would have to say 91-92, Taubmans sponsor, Shavonica design. Anyone who has one of these that is willing to donate to my collection please get in touch! (Phil, Not Joe)

VB or Toohey’s New?

VB, no debate.

What used to be the biggest game of the season for you as a player?

I would have to say Sydney City (Hakoah) and South Melbourne. They were always the teams to beat back then.

Are Sydney Croatia singled out by the FFA?

I think they are, always have been.

What is the best game you played in or attended at King Tom?

Every game that I have been to or played in, the atmosphere is fantastic here.

Are The Cevapi at King Tom any good?

When Ivan’s did them it was the best, but they are still good now. (Ivan’s butchery, still supplying quality meats and a shirt sponsor back in the day)

What makes the game at King Tom such a good experience?

It’s the passion and the history; it’s the best place to watch football.

Would we survive in the A-League? Would we get good crowds?

100%, I think we would survive easily. The crowds would be good; I think we could easily average 8-10,000.

Last question, do you think we should change the name back to Sydney Croatia?

Yes, 100%. We should not have been made to change it in the first place.

Thanks to Joe for the interview, great to see ex-players still supporting the club on the terraces. Thanks to his agent Mitch, who organised it.

Jo Caleta and the boys

Croatia came out in the second half with determination as shots from both Simonoski & Rose were blocked when on target. The game was beginning to ebb and flow. Manos pulled off a good stop to deny Marconi when Vella perhaps should have scored. Simonoski had another great effort blocked as the game hung in the balance. With less than 2 minutes to play substitute Antelmi struck a fine effort that flashed wide. Then Matt Sim dribbled two defenders in the box and looked certain to score, but lashed the effort wide at the near post. Marconi then had a penalty appeal turned down; it was never a pen from my view and the game ended goalless.

Match action as the sun sets

As deep breaths were taken and beers were bought, extra time started and within 60 seconds Croatia scored! Matt Sim got to the line and crossed for Antelmi to score from close range. Marconi appealed for something but the goal stood, amid pandemonium on the hill and a flare going off in the corner. It was gripping stuff. From the kick off Marconi tore into Croatia as Vella almost headed them level but Manos managed to get across in time to clear the danger. Marconi then came as close as they would all game to scoring, when Jesic thumped the upright with Manos beaten. As extra time neared its conclusion, Croatia were awarded a penalty when Gonzalez was tripped in the box. With only 6 minutes remaining Antelmi stroked the ball home as another flare went off in the corner. What is it about flares that make such an atmosphere? The smoke, the smell, the celebration. Fantastic stuff. The Croatia chants were in full swing now as the game was won. The whistle blew to end the game as players and coaches alike shook the hands of supporters and then headed into the club for a celebratory drink and more singing.

Smoke bombs in Gilligan’s corner

It has been a fantastic season at King Tom. Memberships are up, crowds have been fantastic, and you could even buy merch for the first time in a few years. I have to say a big thank you to all the work that has been done by volunteers behind the scenes as they have managed to make such a fantastic match day experience. There was such a vibe this season, even when the team was struggling everyone got behind them and it was great to see so many ex-players at King Tom over the season. At no other club is there such a sense of belonging and passion. Zivjela Croacija! And the season is not over. Let’s get as many over to Blacktown on Wednesday night and spur on the boys to a possible preliminary final! Sydney Croatia Ole Ole Ole….

Flare ripped as Antelmi scores the second