The Adelaide United Youth Team will travel to Cumberland in Round 19 of the NPL State League at Bailey Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
The Young Reds will feature in their third away trip after trips to both Hallet Cove and Adelaide Cobras.
However, The Adelaide United Youth will be full of confidence after proving too dominant for the Adelaide Cobras on Monday winning 3-0.
Coach of the Young Reds, Michael Valkanis, knows the importance of the match as Cumberland currently sit one point adrift of his side.
“The boys are prepared and ready for this game,” said Valkanis.
“They are looking forward to the match because it has a lot of importance, as we and Cumberland are looking to finish as high as we can on the ladder so these are the games you need to win.”
The Young Reds achieved mixed results during last weekend’s fixtures, which saw the team defeated by the Cove and overpower the Cobras.
Valkanis believes attitude and belief were key components in the matches and on Monday he saw his team mentally ready knowing the three points was there for the taking.
“Mentally on Monday, the boys came to the game knowing they were going to win,” said Valkanis.
“They broke down the opposition really well and took their chance which is something we have really been focusing on.
“We will need to be at our best right from the start and need to take our chances, as Cumberland are a side which will punish you if you give them a chance.”
In recent weeks, the Young Reds have had to deal with a run of injuries and sickness to key players. However, Valkanis knows that is a key factor and knows anyone can come in at any time to do a job.
“Last weekend and even this weekend we have a few boys that are out in regards to injuries,” said Valkanis.
“So we have to make replacements and hopefully the boys that come in take their opportunity and do a job which is required.
“Overall, if the boys play to the style and are consistent throughout the game it will go a long way in getting the result we need.”
Adelaide United Squad: Samed Altundag, Niko Apostolopoulos, Thomas Love, Clifford Maina, Alec Maiolo, Daniel Margush, Yianni Nestoras, Mark Ochieng, Adam Piscioneri, Doni Pollock, Jordan Pudler, Dylan Smith, Antoni Trimboli, Ruon Tongyik, Ben Warland, Alex Woodlands, Oliver Zafiridis
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Adelaide United take on Cumberland United on Saturday 13 June 2015 at Bailey Reserve in Round 19 of the NPL State League Season. Kick-off at 3:00pm.
And the Adelaide United Reserves also take on Cumberland United on Saturday 13 June 2015 at Bailey Reserve in Round 19. Kick-off at 1:00pm.
