Adelaide United Youth’s five-match unbeaten run ended after conceding late on against Croydon Kings at Polonia Reserve on Saturday.
Alhassan Toure’s first-half equaliser was rendered inconsequential after Nathan Munro slotted an 84th minute winner with a clever finish to put a dent in Adelaide’s finals aspirations.
There were two changes made to the starting eleven by Paul Pezos, with goalkeeper Cameron Cook and forward Domenic Costanzo featuring from the outset.
A tight contest was expected with both teams coming into the match on equal points on the table and lingering just outside the top six.
However, the match did not go according to plan as the visitors conceded their first goal in three matches after six minutes.
Munro climbed highest at the back post, guiding his header beyond Cook.
Not disheartened, United Youth responded and tried their best to get back into the match.
In the 27th minute, the Young Reds restored parity courtesy of a deft through ball from Jai King to unlock the Kings’ defence.
His reverse pass played in Toure and he took a touch and picked his spot, driving his effort into the bottom far corner.
It was a cagey start to begin the second-half with chances few and far between.
Croydon did manage to test Cook from a free-kick but he was equal to the challenge.
It appeared the match would head for a draw, but six minutes from time a loose ball sat up kindly for Munro just inside the area and his snapshot finish to complete his brace beat Cook.
Adelaide United Youth Reserves
Adelaide United Youth Reserves were handed a fourth consecutive loss following a 3-0 defeat to Croydon Kings Reserves earlier in the afternoon.
Adelaide United Youth face Campbelltown City in Round 18 of the National Premier League 2019 season on Saturday, 20 July at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre. Kick-off is at 3.00 PM. Reserves kick-off at 12.45pm.
