The Adelaide United Youth Team has clinched a vital point against the Western Strikers on Saturday afternoon at Carnegie Reserve.
A penalty kick converted by Strikers Chris D’Alfonso was cancelled out two minutes after by Jordan Pudler who scored in identical fashion leaving both a teams a share of the spoils.
In a thrilling contest, both teams were eager to gain control of the football forcing a pretty tight opening ten minutes.
The Young Reds ever so dangerous combination play was withheld well by the Strikers defence, clearing the ball and attempting to play out through defence.
In the 32nd minute, a through ball played in by the Western Strikers forced Daniel Margush to clear the ball in which a foul was given on the striker forcing a penalty. Chris D’Alfonso stepped up and made no mistake giving the Strikers a valuable 1-0 lead.
However, two minutes after playmaker Dylan Smith played in a sublime chip ball which found Mark Ochieng who this time was fouled forcing the referee to award his second penalty of the day.
Jordan Pudler stepped up and put Navarro Panozzo the wrong way evening the ledger at 1-1.
A minute before halftime, Strikers played a corner which Mark Ochieng intercepted the ball of his defender and played in Dylan Smith who took on his played and forced Panozzo into action tipping the ball away.
After the interval Adelaide United started the more dominant of the two sides allowing wingers Mark Ochieng and Antoni Trimboli time on the ball forcing them to cut in and play crosses.
In the 72nd minute, Oliver Zafridis whipped in a perfect cross for the arriving Doni Pollock who just headed over the bar.
Three minutes after Western Strikers had the chance to clinch Victory but unfortunately the post was the saviour for the Young Reds.
Despite Adelaide’s last ditch efforts both sides finished the match with a point which Adelaide Coach Michael Valkanis was pleased with in tough conditions away from home.
“The boys did exceptionally well, they have gone to play an experienced side away from home in tough conditions and to get a point is pleasing but I think we played really well,” said Valkanis.
“Our combination play was good we just needed to be a bit more direct in our wing play but apart from that we created many opportunities and were unlucky not to get all three points.
“But we move onto to next week where we hope we can get all three points and give this competition a real go heading into the last six matches.”
Match Details
Saturday, 18 July 2015
NPL 2015 State League – Round 24
Western Strikers 1 (C. D’Alfonso)
Adelaide United 1 (J. Pudler)
Venue: Carnegie Reserve
