John Hall maintains Adelaide United still harbour hope of securing a top six berth, following the Reds’ 1-0 win over Newcastle Jets at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
Marcelo Carrusca netted his first goal of the campaign, after calmly converting a second-half penalty to seal all three points.
The Reds managed to snap a four-match winless streak to record their third win of the season, but despite the victory United remain at the foot of the ladder.
“It was definitely a win for pride, and I think that’s a really important thing and for the fans as well,” Hall admitted.
“I think one great thing about last night was that we still got a great atmosphere even after last week.”
However, Hall insists the side will fight until the end of the season to try and claim a finals berth and urged supporters to rally behind the team.
“We haven’t given up, we’re going to keep pushing and putting everything in,” he said.
“And it would be great if everyone keeps showing their support until the end of the season, we’d really appreciate it.”
Hall, who put in an assured performance, reflected on his stunning save to deny Morten Nordstrand’s looping header, before colliding with the upright.
“I was just watching the ball and I didn’t really take much note of the post,” Hall said.
“But obviously after I saved it I turned around and it was a bit of a shock to the system.
“Fortunately I was able to keep playing and keep a clean sheet.”
Hall’s clean sheet extended the Novocastrian outfit’s barren goalless run in the city of churches to five games, with the Reds’ last concession at home occurring in November 2013.
The custodian also praised the impact of South Korean midfielder Kim Jae-sung, who impressed on his Reds debut against the Jets.
“I think when he (Kim) came on he was able to influence the players a lot,” he said.
“He’s obviously got a lot of experience under his belt, a lot of skill and I think he’ll be a quality asset to the side.”
The 22-year-old also said the squad has now switched the focus to Wednesday’s AFC Champions League encounter with Japanese heavyweights Gamba Osaka.
“The coach said the most important thing now is to recover and make sure we’re firing for that game (against Gamba),” he continued.
“It’s going to be a tough and difficult game and a tough two weeks ahead of us, but if we recover properly I think we’re up for it.”
Adelaide United will host Gamba Osaka in its first AFC Champions League 2017 group stage match on Wednesday, 22 February at Hindmarsh Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.30pm ACDT.
