Fresh from scoring a 93rd minute winner to down the Central Coast Mariners 2-1 on Thursday night, Ryan Kitto says he was delighted to help contribute in the victory.
The result importantly snapped a three-match losing streak to seal Adelaide’s first win in five Hyundai A-League games.
Kitto felt his last-gasp goal was a reflection of the team’s dominant second-half display to extinguish the Mariners’ first-half lead.
“I think it was reward for the team’s hard work and it was good to put one in the net and come away with the three points,” he said.
“But now our full focus is on Tuesday night’s cup final.”
We know Daniel Adlung's wunder-strike is only about 12-hours old, but it just gets better with age. 😎 #CCMvADL #AUFC
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/5PYUp1eLIU
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 16, 2017
Wout Brama had opened the scoring from the spot in the 40th minute after sending Paul Izzo the wrong way.
However, Daniel Adlung equalised with an absolute scorcher of a goal – thundering home a half-volley from well outside the 18-yard box.
That goal at the half hour mark appeared to spark the Reds into action as they began to completely boss proceedings and created several chances before finding the breakthrough in stoppage time.
Kitto lauded the German midfielder’s pile driver and admitted it really changed the momentum in the game and gave United belief to push for the winner.
“That’s probably one of the best goals I’ve seen live,” he said.
“I was lucky enough to actually feel it whiz past my head and I tell you it had a bit of force behind it.
“It was an amazing goal and I think little acts like that really lift the team and gave us the real positivity to go on with it and we are lucky to have a good player like him in our side.”
Three points… and that's the way it's gonna be, little darling! 😜 #CCMvADL #AUFC #ForeverUnited
🎥 @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/F5hFCIgbET
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) November 16, 2017
After scoring his second goal of the season, Kitto was hoping to add more to his tally.
“I hope so, if I try and keep getting myself into these goal-scoring positions then hopefully I can take them,” he said.
“As you score more goals you gain more confidence so hopefully I can keep that going.”
Kitto said his aim was to cement a starting XI spot after featuring from the outset in back-to-back weeks.
But in his selfless nature he stressed he was prepared to do whatever is demanded by Head Coach, Marco Kurz.
“It’s my job to do whatever is asked of me by the coach and that’s my role,” he said.
“So whatever Marco has in plan for me I’ll try and do it to the best of my ability.”
Adelaide United will face Sydney FC in the Grand Final of the 2017 Westfield FFA Cup on Tuesday, 21 November at Allianz Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACDT.
