Adelaide United came out on top with a 1-0 win over Campbelltown City in Round 15 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues at The Parks Football Centre on Saturday.
Adelaide United have bounced back from their defeat last week against Adelaide City, as they successfully vanquished the defending Champions.
Pacifique Niyonabire’s finish connecting off of a stunning Blake Carpenter cross, sealed a well-deserved win after a dominant second half.
United take the much-needed three points with them to ninth on the league standings, while the Red Devils sit two spots above them, on 18 points.
With Campbelltown coming out without one win in five matches, they were desperate to regain some form.
With an early corner, Lui Ditroia sent the ball to former Red, Alec Maiolo, whose header went over the bar from close range.
Dion Kirk also had an early opportunity, but missed from close distance.
Maiolo had some shining moments for his new club, almost getting on the scoresheet, latching onto a Jake Halliday through ball, only for it to be off target.
Hamish McCabe broke away from his defender, striking towards goal that saw Campbelltown ‘keeper, Nick Harpas forcefully palming away.
Adam Piscioneri remained dangerous throughout the match, but was unable to shut down Adelaide’s defence.
In the second half, the Reds worked their way into the game delightfully, and started to command play.
Captain Josh Mori, had a great half with a marvellous shot on goal that merely missed the net to break the deadlock.
In the 63rd minute, Niyongabire rose over Harpas to knock in a superb delivery from the edge of the box by winger, Carpenter.
Hamish and Liam McCabe worked effortlessly, as if they read each other’s minds to try and double the lead, but Harpas stood his ground.
Huss Skenderovic’s side were adamant in not allowing their lead, or win, to slip away as they muscled through with gritted teeth for 90 minutes, something the club has been setting out to achieve.
“We are very happy, and we spoke about the mentality and to keep developing as a developmental team, so we proved that we can be switched on for 90 minutes,” he said.
“It is a milestone, as we have not been able to keep a clean sheet this season, and it has been what we have been working on.
“We have been playing some good football, and today we were switched on mentally and that is the result of it, to beat last year’s Champions.
“The key moment was the start of the second half, where we tried something different and half time to prepare them mentally.
“They were up for it, and you could see towards the end that they were not going to throw it away, and that also proves we are a fit team.”
Although the Reds could have won by more, the three points and a clean sheet is enough for boss, Skenderovic.
“We could have scored a few more goals, which is a little blight with our game, where we have several chances in the 18 yard box the past two weeks.
“And today was no different, as we didn’t take those really good opportunities but sometimes if you score won and keep a clean sheet, it is enough.”
In a fortnight for Round 16, ninth Adelaide United and eighth Para Hills Knights meet, and Campbelltown City take on Adelaide Blue Eagles.
