Adelaide United’s pre season preparations have continued with an 8-1 defeat of local Premier League club Birkalla at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Adelaide United-s pre season preparations have continued with an 8-1 defeat of local Premier League club West Torrens Birkalla at Hindmarsh Stadium.
Fielding a strong first eleven from the start, which included Socceroos duo Eugene Galekovic and Dario Vidosic after they both returned from their two week break, the Reds led 5-0 at half time before finding the back of the net another three times in the second 45 minutes.
Striker Bruce Djite scored the game-s opening two goals and finished with a hat-trick as he was given a full 90 minutes by Coach Josep Gombau. Spaniard Sergio Cirio chimed in with the Reds- third before Jeronimo Neumann struck twice within 60 seconds to give United a handful by half time, although United did not have it all their own way as Birkalla had their moments.
Of the starting line up, only Djite and Jon McKain remained for the second half as Gomabu made a host of changes at the break. The Reds boss got the chance to have a look at former Melbourne Victory midfielder Theo Markelis in action, while there was also a host of youngsters from the AIS that were introduced, Dylan Smith scoring a second half double.
Nigel Boogaard and Antony Golec took up the central defensive duties in the second half as John Hall replaced Galekovic in goal, Birkalla eventually finding a way through when Scott Nagel drifted in down the left to latch onto a cross and tuck the ball away.
Adelaide United will next take on Western Strikers in another closed match on August 19 before facing Adelaide Comets at Santos Stadium on August 27.
