Adelaide United Youth’s tendency to claim scalps against the top sides in the Premier League continued courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Adelaide Comets in the Round 13 replay on Tuesday night.
Before a severe thunderstorm brought an abrupt halt to proceedings between the two sides in Loxton three weeks ago, United had boasted a 1-0 lead after 35 minutes.
So when Louis D’Arrigo’s stunning second-half strike settled the encounter this time around at SA Athletics Stadium, perhaps a sense of justice was served after the Reds’ initial advantage was rendered inconsequential.
It was a tense opening ten minutes as both Comets and United Youth, fourth and fifth on the table respectively, looked to grab an early stranglehold on the match.
Comets had the best chance of the match in the 24th minute with Stefan Simic volleying wide of the target.
Clear-cut opportunities would remain at a premium during the first period for Paul Pezos’ outfit.
However, a moment of magic after the break from D’Arrigo ultimately proved decisive.
The midfielder intercepted an errant pass and surged forward and unleashed a low drive from outside the box which went in off the upright.
Forward Tom Briscoe remained a threat from set-pieces for the hosts, but he could not find the back of the net.
Reds goalkeeper, Isaac Richards, was called into action late on to preserve United’s one-goal buffer, and it helped extend their unbeaten streak to four matches, while simultaneously snapping Comets’ seven game unbeaten streak in the league.
United will hope to further cement a place in the top six when they host Croydon at Smith Partners Stadium this Sunday.
Key moments:
24’ | A chance for Comets goes begging as Simic fires a volley at the back post wide.
54’ | GOAL! D’Arrigo pounces on the loose ball in midfield and drives to goal before striking a venomous effort in off the post to open the scoring.
58’ | Briscoe’s free-kick comes close to levelling the affair, hitting the dead ball inches over the crossbar.
79’ | Andreas Wiens is unable to direct his leaping header on goal as it flies past the upright.
88’ | Richards executes a brilliant save to tip an effort over the bar, ensuring the Young Reds grab all three points.
