Adelaide United Youth are back playing finals football for the first time since 2018 with a fascinating clash awaiting them on Saturday night against MetroStars at TK Shutter Reserve.
The Young Reds will be determined to advance to the next round of the finals series and a date with the winner of Adelaide Comets or Croydon Kings.
Little has separated the two sides this campaign.
In the first meeting this year, United squandered a two-goal half-time lead to lose 3-2, before prevailing by the same scoreline last month.
The visitors go into the match as underdogs and understandably so, given they did finished nine points adrift of the Klemzig-based club, coupled with their youth and inexperience.
With the exception of Young Reds Captain, Asad Kasumović, the squad has never played senior NPLSA finals football and it is a challenge Airton Andrioli’s side is embracing.
United Youth ended the regular season in fifth place, scoring the equal most goals, while holding the leakiest defence.
Meanwhile, Metro boasted the third strongest defence in the competition.
It sure is expected to be another enthralling encounter with midfielder Jonny Yull also anticipating a tough clash.
Jonny Yull on MetroStars’ quality…
“Obviously they’re a good team, have got a couple of good players, experienced players.
“They’ve played in the finals a lot so they’ll be hard to play against and they set up well.”
Jonny Yull on keys to advance…
“I think we just have to stick together through the whole game. Everyone needs to keep their shape and play well.
“And everyone just needs to do their job, working for each other, but I think Metro will come out hard and they’re always hard to play against with players like (Fabian) Barbiero.
“So it will be a tough game and both teams will be wanting to win this game, and get a little bit of revenge on each other.”
Jonny Yull on training with senior squad and aiming for more first-team minutes…
“It’s always a good experience being with the A-League team and being on the bench sometimes in the A-League.
“No matter what happens I’m always happy to be training with the A-League squad. It’s the best outcome you can have playing with some of the best.
“I think we’ve got some of the best players in the league like Craig Goodwin and the coaches.
“You always learn stuff from Carl, Mark and Airton, so hopefully I’ll be able to (get some A-League minutes this season).”
Match Details:
Saturday, 20 August vs MetroStars
NPLSA – Elimination Final
Kick-off 7.00pm
Venue: TK Shutter Reserve
Stream: NPL.TV
Adelaide United Reserves
Saturday, 20 August vs Cumberland United
NPLSA Reserves – Elimination Final
Kick-off: 12.45pm
Venue: A.A Bailey Reserve
