A quick-fire brace from Lachlan Brook has booked Adelaide United Youth their first NPL finals appearance after a 2-1 comeback win over West Adelaide at Smith Partners Stadium on Sunday.
The Young Reds knew the three points would all but guarantee their top-six status as well as wrap up fifth spot on the National Premier League SA ladder with a game to spare.
However, things initially appeared bleak for the home side after a largely uninspiring first period before West Adelaide broke the deadlock thanks to Perry Mitris’ free-kick on 53 minutes.
But a virtuoso performance from Brook would be capped off by scoring two goals in 10 second-half minutes to overturn the deficit and seal a memorable triumph.
It was a midfield battle for much of the first-half with Adelaide dominating the majority of possession but having little to show for it.
West gradually got into the game as the half dragged on and constantly proved dangerous from set-pieces.
And the visitors picked up where they left off, starting the brighter of the two sides and indeed opened the scoring.
Mitris curled his low free-kick around the wall and into the bottom left corner.
Despite West continuing to test gloveman Cameron Cook, United began to probe though unable to fashion any genuine attempts.
That was until Brook struck at the second time of asking to net the equaliser.
The young midfielder was played through by a ball over the top and saw his initial left-footed one-on-one effort saved before having the composure to steer in the rebound with his non-preferred right foot.
West’s early pressure to begin the second stanza abated and it was the Young Reds who boasted the ascendency.
It was Brook again heavily involved as he capitalised on a West Adelaide mistake in midfield to complete his double by guiding the ball clinically past the ‘keeper.
Adelaide then had to survive a wave of West Adelaide pressure but held on to secure an inaugural finals berth.
Paul Pezos’ side take on Para Hills at the Paddocks this Saturday in the final round of the regular season.
Key moments:
49’ | Cook makes a solid save to deny Michael Alexandrou from close range.
53’ | GOAL: West Adelaide take the lead via a well-executed free-kick from Mitris.
69’ | GOAL! Brook scores the follow-up attempt on his right foot after his initial shot was saved after latching onto a delightful ball over the West defence.
79’ | GOAL! Brook bags the winner converting his one-on-one effort in clinical fashion.
Reserves:
Adelaide United 0
West Adelaide 2
