Craig Goodwin says collecting maximum points at Coopers Stadium is something Adelaide United must improve on moving forward.
The Reds recorded a 1-1 draw at home for the second consecutive week, this time fighting back from a goal down against Newcastle Jets, courtesy of Goodwin’s expertly-taken header.
Goodwin felt the draw was a fair result on the balance of play.
“I think always at home we want to be winning the games and picking up as many as possible away from home,” Goodwin at the Myer Centre Rebel Sport.
“But having said that Newcastle are a good side obviously made the grand final last year and could’ve easily won it.
“So I think they’ll be a strong team this year.”
The 26-year-old bagged his first goal of the Hyundai A-League campaign with that brilliant header after meeting Michael Marrone’s sensational early cross.
It drew the Reds level after Ronald Vargas capitalised on a defensive mishap in the 52nd minute.
Goodwin, who has now scored four goals in all competitions, was thrilled to open his account for the season.
“Very happy to get off the mark for the season,” he said.
“I don’t usually score them with my head so happy with that.
“Obviously it was a great ball from Mickey (Michael Marrone), so nice to get on the scoresheet but we need to be picking up all three points at home I think.”
Craig Goodwin dominated the member vote to take out our Stillwell Hyundai Player of the Match for Round 2! #AUFC pic.twitter.com/wOPH6zRDXe
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 27, 2018
Goodwin also discussed the incident which saw George Blackwood leave the field following a collision with Glen Moss.
It has since been confirmed the 21-year-old has a fractured collarbone.
“I’m really disappointed for him,” he admitted.
“He came on and he changed the game for us, he gave us that target man up front and he was involved in a lot of things when he came on.
“And I think it’s just disappointing because he’s had a couple of niggling injuries in the pre-season but whenever he’s been in, he’s been good.
“So disappointing to have a fractured collar bone and be out for six to eight weeks.”
But the Reds must quickly move on from Friday night as they turn their attention to the FFA Cup 2018 Final against Sydney FC on Tuesday night.
Goodwin was looking forward to playing in front of a full house at Coopers Stadium and was confident they could avenge last year’s cup defeat.
Marco was pleased with an improved second-half following a lacklustre start last night. #AUFC #ADLvNEW
📰 Read more: https://t.co/fdPdgZLt8m pic.twitter.com/ustAbrXc1X
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) October 27, 2018
“I think obviously we’ve won it once and the way it happened last year with losing in the grand final in extra time against Sydney,” he continued.
“So it’s a massive game, it’s a cup final it’s a chance to win silverware, and it’s a chance for all the players in the squad to etch our name in Adelaide history.
“To win it in front of a packed out Coopers Stadium is really special, so hopefully we can get over the line.”
Adelaide United host Sydney FC in the FFA Cup 2018 Final on Tuesday, 30 October at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports and the My Football Live App.
