George Blackwood insists collecting all three points was the most important aspect after labouring to a 2-1 win against Central Coast Mariners.
Adelaide United had to dig deep in the second-half and show resolve after Andrew Hoole put the visitors ahead in stunning style before the break.
But Isaías’ equaliser and Blackwood’s last-gasp winner guided Adelaide to the victory in an improved second-half display.
“It’s obviously good to get wins at home,” Blackwood told reporters at a recovery session.
“And especially against teams like Central Coast that come out and battle. They’re tough games but you need to pick up three points.
“It was good to do that at home and we’re just happy with the win.”
Blackwood acknowledged that the Mariners made things difficult to dominate the game in the first 45.
“It was tough in the first-half,” he explained.
“Central Coast came out like fire and they were pressing us really high and we had to combat that.
“I feel like in the second-half we started to do better when we started to gain a bit more control of the game and things just got better from there.”
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As the match seemed destined for the draw, substitute Blackwood finished off a sensational run and cross from Scott Galloway.
The 21-year-old was quick to heap praise on his teammate for the incredible assist after scoring his first goal of the campaign.
Blackwood’s pre-season had been hampered by injury and compounded by a broken collarbone he sustained early on in the campaign.
But the youngster was confident he can put those previous setbacks behind him and continue to find the net.
“It was really good by him,” he said.
“He’s been playing well all year and he loves those mazy runs and he just put it on a platter for me.
“I just had to be in the right position, that’s what strikers have to do. They need to be in the right position and hope the ball comes to them and that time it did.”
United now has a week to prepare for their clash with Brisbane Roar at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.
Blackwood said he was looking forward to the match and said the longer break between games will allow some of the squad to recuperate after a hectic month of football.
“It’s another big game next week against Brisbane and it’s good to have back-to-back home games,” he said.
“I think a few of the boys are a little bit tired after a lot of games in January so it’s good to have back-to-back home games, especially against Brisbane again at home is going to be a good game.”
Adelaide United host Brisbane Roar in Round 17 of the Hyundai A-League 2018/19 season on Saturday, 2 February at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT. Gates open 6.20pm.
