Carl Veart believes Adelaide United can improve their ruthlessness in attack while admitting he is pleased with his side’s overall progression since taking the reins.
The Reds recorded their first draw of the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season following a 1-1 stalemate with Wellington Phoenix.
Adelaide dominated the first stanza with little to show for before Ufuk Talay’s team finished the contest the stronger after half-time.
Veart lamented Adelaide’s wastefulness with the final ball in advanced situations, however, the former Reds striker could not fault their endeavour.
“I think the first-half we played some really good football,” Veart told reporters in the post-match press conference.
“At times our final pass, or final cross just let ourselves down – need a little bit more quality in that final pass.
“In the second-half, Wellington seemed to get a bit more control in that middle part of the second-half.
“They’re a good side, a very good side and the boys dug in, and we took the lead.
“But then we just gave away a soft goal, disappointing to give away a goal like that, but we could’ve rolled over there but the boys dug in and we fought it out and got a point.
“I think at the end of the day a draw was most probably fair.”
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Kristian Opseth scored for the second straight game since the relaunch with another clinical header in the 60th minute, before the Phoenix equalised through Jaushua Sotirio five minutes later.
Paul Izzo then produced a penalty save prior to full-time to ensure Adelaide took something from the game.
In what is just Veart’s second game in charge, the interim Head Coach felt the players have made solid progress under his tutelage.
“They’re still learning, that’s our second competitive game in the changes that we’ve made,” he explained.
“So again we made some progression again tonight and we’ve to build on that for the next game against Perth.
“It’s a going to be a tough game against Perth, but I’m very happy overall. It would’ve been nice to pinch the three points.”
Adelaide United host Perth Glory in the Hyundai A-League 2019/20 season on Thursday 30 July at Bankwest Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST. Live and Exclusive on Fox Sports, Kayo Sports and the MyFootball Live App.
