Daniel Adlung believes it was crucial to return to winning ways ahead of the Westfield FFA Cup Final on Tuesday night against Sydney FC.
Adelaide United overturned a first-half deficit to record a dramatic 2-1 away triumph over the Central Coast Mariners on Thursday evening.
Ryan Kitto capped off another promising outing to score his second goal of the season with an expert volley in the 93rd minute to seal all three points.
Adlung, who scored an absolute rocket to cancel out Wout Brama’s spot-kick, said the victory will serve as a massive confidence booster moving forward.
ADLUUUUUUUUUUUUUNG! #AUFC #ForeverUnited #CCMvADL
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/pftViSfTPQ
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 16, 2017
“It was very important,” he told Fox Sports after the match.
“Before the game we said we have to play very compact as a team and the last games we played some minutes very well and then we lose our confidence.
“And today was important to get our confidence back and I think we did a good job.
“It was hard to play against Central Coast because they’re a good team and very skilful in the offence and it was very important for us.”
The combative German restored parity on 59 minutes with a thunderous half-volley from well outside the 18-yard box, which rifled into the back-of-the-net.
KITTO! KITTO! KITTO! A gutsy second half effort. Adlung screamer, Kitto stoppage time winner. 👊 💥 And a special thanks to our fans in Gosford tonight! #CCMvADL #AUFC #ForeverUnited
📰 Report: https://t.co/aluilCIOIg pic.twitter.com/MfJq2g9DKI
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 16, 2017
Adlung rates his maiden Hyundai A-League goal as being up there with one of his best strikes he has ever scored in his professional career.
“I think it’s on the top, maybe even the first,” he said.
“I hit the ball very well and I felt it when it left my foot that the ball goes inside the goal.”
The Reds have a short turnaround before facing Sydney at Allianz Stadium for a chance to collect some early season silverware in the Grand Final of Australia’s largest cup competition.
“Now we are looking forward to this game and a good recovery in the next few days,” Adlung said.
“And then the whole focus will be on this game for Tuesday.”
Adelaide United will face Sydney FC in the Grand Final of the 2017 Westfield FFA Cup on Tuesday, 21 November at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT.
