The Adelaide United Youth Team will host Adelaide Olympic in Round 22 of the 2016 National Premier League at Elite Systems Football Centre on Saturday.
The Adelaide United Youth Team’s meeting with Campbelltown City last weekend resulted in a 2-0 defeat, despite an impressive first half performance and restraining the league contenders of goals.
As the last round of the season approaches, a draw or win against Adelaide Olympic will be crucial to the Young Reds in retaining their place in the National Premier League, but goal difference may assist with the Reds’ survival.
Adelaide United Youth Team Head Coach, Mark Jones, firmly believes that his team’s lack of quality in their finishing has denied them the chance of winning more games, but has been a learning opportunity that their best football needs to be played whilst at an elite level.
Jones says that his Reds will bring 100 per cent to their final game, and stick to their plan.
“The game this weekend against Adelaide Olympic will be tough as always, but we need to get out there and execute for 90 minutes,” Jones said. “And play the brand of football that we have been playing.
“The team are disappointed with not making finals, as they knew they had the ability to make them, but they need to learn that if they don’t execute or be disciplined for 90 minutes, that these things happen at an elite level where good football teams will punish us.
“This season was a learning opportunity and a good reminder that if you make mistakes it can be costly, we did play great football but there is more to learn in committing to the game 100 per cent.”
Jones noted the importance of finishing off their season with a good result against Olympic, but knows that no matter their position on the table, it is always a tough battle against any opponent.
“It would be nice to finish off with a win,” Jones continued. “But Adelaide Olympic are a good team with great players, which we need to be mindful of.
“We will go out there and play our best for 90 minutes, aiming for the three points.”
