Defender Iain Fyfe admits the Reds were left disappointed with last Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle, but delighted to have secured home ground advantage in the first week of the finals.
Adelaide United defender Iain Fyfe admits the Reds were left disappointed with last Friday night’s 1-1 draw with Newcastle, but delighted to have secured home ground advantage in the first week of the finals.
United was convinced they had stolen victory when marquee midfielder Dario Vidosic scored at the death, but the goal was disallowed for offside much to the bemusement of the Reds and home faithful.
Fyfe said the players had a bitter taste after being denied the chance to leap into third after rivals Melbourne Victory were held by Sydney FC, although the 30-year-old felt a draw was fair in the context of the 90 minutes.
The veteran centre-back said there was still much to be proud of after the solitary point guaranteed United a home final.
“It was a little bit disappointing, we felt it was a fair goal,” Fyfe said reflecting on the late drama.
“It would have been nice to get that and sneak away with the three points…but a draw was probably a fair result.
“We could have played a lot better football but we still got a result and finals football, and that is the main thing for us at the moment.
“It’s huge and something we can be proud of. We’ve crossed that hurdle and we can move on with things now.”
A championship winner with Sydney FC in the first season of the Hyundai A-League, Fyfe highlighted the importance of playing at Hindmarsh in the cut-throat knockout stage of the opening week of finals.
“I’ve played finals football and I know how important that first game is with the home crowd behind you and all that energy,” Fyfe said.
“It’s very difficult for away teams to come and play a finals game away from home straight up.”
