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National Premier League SA Reserves Round 5 Preview – Para Hills Knights vs Adelaide United Youth

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Adrian Stenta says he has been pleased with Adelaide United Youth Reserves’ start to the season after four matches as they prepare to tackle Para Hills on Saturday.

The Reds have recorded three wins and a loss to begin the campaign and sit third on goal difference.

Stenta’s side bounced back at the weekend after defeat to early pace setters Adelaide City last round, inflicting a 5-1 rout on the unbeaten West Adelaide.

Stenta praised his team’s display and how they responded after conceding first.

“I was very happy with the result but more importantly happy with the performance,” he explained.

“Because it was probably our most complete performance of the season.

“We did start a bit slow and fall behind, but to the boys’ credit they really dug in and worked their way back into the game.

“And they played at a consistently good level for the majority of the game which was pleasing, so good to get a win over tough opposition.”

Having previously discussed his side needing to be more clinical in attack, Stenta said netting five goals against a strong opponent breeds extra confidence.

“I wasn’t too concerned about the way we were playing or not creating chances,” he admitted.

“But we certainly paid for that the week before (against Adelaide City) when we were unable to take our chances, so to score and to score multiple goals in a game was very pleasing.”

On that note, Stenta added the team has been travelling in the right direction while acknowledging the season was in its infancy.

He lauded the fact that he has been able to rely on all members of the squad when called upon.

“It’s been good that I’ve been able to use the whole depth of our squad,” Stenta said.

“Most of our players have had some good game time and it hasn’t really mattered who I’ve started or who I’ve in the squad or who’s played.

“It’s been really pleasing to see all the boys step up, so I’ve got a lot of confidence in them. It doesn’t matter who plays, I’ve got a lot of confidence that they can get the job done.

“They’re showing good signs in the early part of the season.”

Para Hills secured their first victory of the season last week following successive draws.

Stenta is anticipating a physical battle.

“Para Hills are always a tough game,” he said.

“We know they’ll fight hard for the victory and try and put us under a bit of pressure and use their physicality to try and assert themselves on the game.

“It’s just another opportunity for us to challenge ourselves, to continue developing and to pit ourselves against what we think we’ll be a really strong Para Hills side.”

Adelaide United Youth Reserves face Para Hills Knights Reserves in Round 5 of the National Premier League 2019 season on Saturday, 23 March at The Paddocks. Kick-off at 12.45pm.