The Adelaide United Youth Team has secured second spot on the table after defeating Sturt Lions 3-2 at the Adelaide Shores Football Centre on Wednesday night.
On what was a chilli evening down at West Beach for the Round 10 catch-up game, the Young Reds knew that a win would take them to second spot.
The first half had the Young Reds dictate the game while creating a lot of chances. It only took 17 minutes to break the deadlock after Adam Piscioneri fired a 30-yard screamer into the back of the net.
Minutes later, after a well-worked counter attack and perfectly timed cut back from Thomas Love, Dylan Smith was able to slot in the Young Reds second of the evening.
However, failing to capitalise on the possession and numerous chances created, Sturt Lions got one back against the run of play just before the break. Even though the score was only 2-1 at half time, the Young Reds should have gone in with a more comfortable lead.
After the break, the Adelaide United Youth Team came out firing and took the game to Sturt where they were rewarded with another goal. A nice through ball from goal-scorer Piscioneri, found Doni Pollock in the box who slotted in the boy’s third.
The Young Reds were continuing to get into very good areas and were getting inside the box on numerous occasions, but the finishing and last decision was letting them down.
With only 5 minutes left of regular time, a lapse in concentration allowed Sturt to get one back. However, time was against them, and the Young Reds held on for a vital 3-2 win.
After the match Head Coach Michael Valkanis was pleased with the result and knew how important the win was.
“I am happy that from the team context, that we got the 3 points, because it was a catch up game and we needed to win it,” said Valkanis.
“The first half was good, but what is letting us down is that final ball or final shot, something we continue to work on each week.
“Coming into the second half I was happy with the boy’s mentality because sometimes it’s easy to relax when you’re in front, however our players are young and that’s part of their development. This is also where we forget that some of the boys are only 16 years old.
“Overall I’m very happy with the football we played and the last 5 minutes for me was the biggest learning curve from the whole game.“
Match Details
Wednesday, 22 April 2015
NPL 2015 State League – Round 10 (catch-up game)
Sturt Lions 2 (N.Munro, T.Nelson)
Adelaide United 3 (A. Piscioneri, D.Smith, D.Pollock)
Venue: Adelaide Shores Football Centre
