Nikola Mileusnic says it was encouraging to see Adelaide United overturn an early deficit before half-time and register a 2-1 victory over Perth Glory at Coopers Stadium.
The speedster scored what proved to be the match-winner in clinical style to lift the Reds into fourth place on the league table, overtaking fierce rivals Melbourne Victory.
Mileusnic was brilliantly picked out by Isaías’s long through ball before emphatically dispatching his one-on-one effort into the bottom corner across Liam Reddy on 38 minutes.
“I just made the run and Isa (Isaías) saw me and put it over the top,” he said, as United secured back-to-back league wins for only the second time this season.
“And I think one of them kept me onside which was a bit fortunate for myself and I just ran at the goal and finished it and went in.
“They’re the sort of goals and runs you want to receive when you are a winger and it’s fantastic to have players like Isa that can do those things and help you out as well.”
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Perth striker Andy Keogh initially opened the scoring via a free header in the box, before Adelaide quickly drew level thanks to Dino Djulbic’s own goal.
Mileusnic admitted the Reds started slowly, though insisted his side deserved the triumph on the balance of play, despite being under pressure in the final stages.
“I thought at the start we lapsed a bit of concentration and they scored their first goal,” he said.
“But credit to us in the first-half we got back up in the lead and took it home from there.
“It wasn’t the prettiest of games and we could have killed it off earlier.
“But at the end of the day we go the three points and that’s exactly what we needed at this point of the season.”
The 24-year-old was superb against the Glory and has now netted six goals in all competitions this season, accumulating a further four assists.
Mileusnic reflected on how he has so far fared this campaign, believing he has made significant improvements in his second year as a professional.
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He also attributed his impressive year to working under the tutelage of Marco Kurz.
“I think this season I’ve had a much stronger season than last season because I’ve been here since the beginning,” he said.
“And I’ve gotten used to it and the boys have helped me so much and (Marco) Kurz as well, he’s played a massive part in my development.
“And I think that if I can get my finishing, my final third, my final ball more consistent I’ve got a better chance of succeeding in the A-League.”
Isaías returned from suspension and unsurprisingly orchestrated the midfield with aplomb.
Mileusnic said it was great to have the Spanish maestro back on the park.
“It’s always good to have Isa there as a Captain and as a player,” he continued.
“He’s a great leader and we were able to play in our normal formation this week and Isa has everything.
“He rarely loses the ball and he always encourages you to play with confidence and just play your normal game which is good.
“And I think he’s great for the team and happy to have him back.”
Adelaide United host Central Coast Mariners in Round 20 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 17 February at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
