Adelaide United Youth will challenge Melbourne City Youth for a potential shared spot at the top-of-the-table in Round 6 of the Foxtel National Youth League at Elite Systems Football Centre on Saturday afternoon.
In Saturday’s double-header at Elite Systems Football Centre, Adelaide United Youth will face Conference A leaders, Melbourne City Youth, and as alluded to, the opportunity of sharing an equal nine points with City if they are victorious. But, due to the close contest nature of the National Youth League, the Roar could jump to top spot, depending on how they fare against Melbourne Victory.
It is the second meeting between the two sides this season, with Adelaide United suffering a 4-1 defeat at C.B Smith Reserve in Round 1.
Pertinent to this week’s clash, Round 5 saw the Young Reds fall to Brisbane Roar Youth 3-2, while Melbourne City had a bye, and also their match postponed the previous week.
Adelaide United Youth Head Coach, Huss Skenderovic highlighted the fighting spirit of the squad, to fightback against their opponents last week, but accentuated that transitional work and execution in front of goal must be improved on to secure wins.
“To fightback from Brisbane Roar’s first-half display was fantastic, it really brought our character to life and showed that we are a fighting team, to do anything to win,” Skenderovic said.
“But we do need to improve on the transitional moments of games and the fact that teams hit us on the counter-attack, and score, has cost us, especially last week.
“We are great in front of goal, which has been evident in recent weeks, but missed chances have cost us in putting the game away, which we have identified and will work on.”
Skenderovic revealed he believes that his side’s second encounter with Melbourne City will be different to that of Round 1, optimistic that they will atone for the loss.
“At home this week against Melbourne City, I think we can definitely step it up against them, and we are looking for the challenge,” Skenderovic continued.
“The boys were disappointed with the way they performed in the first game, whereas now, having the belief and being more confident, and comfortable with the way we play, they really want to make amends and try to win this week.
“I really believe it will be a different game this time around, and we are confident in our abilities ahead of it as we have worked hard.
“The goals are there, and we know from our recent performances that a win is a possibility, and the loss to Melbourne City and Brisbane Roar will only make us come back stronger.”
Adelaide United’s Youth Team will take on Melbourne City at the Elite Systems Football Centre on Saturday afternoon in Round 6 of the Foxtel National Youth League. Kick-off is at 4:30pm.
Straight after the Young Reds, Adelaide United Women will battle it out against Perth Glory in Round 7 of the Westfield W-League. Kick-off is at 7:30pm.
