The Adelaide United Youth Team defeated Adelaide Blue Eagles 2-0 in Round 1 of the National Premier League at the Elite Systems Football Centre on Sunday.
A brace from Jordan O’Doherty was enough for Adelaide United to sink Adelaide Blue Eagles in the opening round of the 2016 National Premier League (NPL) season.
In warm conditions, both sides started the match at a high intensity with majority of the play being in the midfield.
But it was Mark Jones’ men who burst out of the blocks in the opening stages, pressuring Blue Eagles into making numerous mistakes although limited chances were on offer.
Both sides were reasonably busy at the back with a chance falling to Blue Eagles’ Adam Harris, who hit a shot low and hard into the hands of United custodian, John Hall.
However, it was Adelaide United who scored first as in the 36th minute a delightful through-ball by Clifford Maina found winger, Jordan O’Doherty, who kept the ball close to his body and cut in to smash the ball past the ‘keeper, giving the Young Reds a priceless advantage going into the half-time break.
After the restart, Blue Eagles looked the more dominant of the two sides, however Young Reds striker, Blake Carpenter, was fouled inside the box after splitting two Blue Eagles defenders. Jordan Pudler stepped up to take the resulting penalty, but his efforts were saved well saved by ‘keeper, Pedron Sourjani.
In the 57th minute, Andrej Rastovac linked up well with Jean-Glaude Boyakino for Blue Eagles, creating an opportunity for Alemayo Kabede, but his resulting header had too much power, seeing the ball whistle over the crossbar.
Yet, United made their chances count after a fantastic solo dribble from substitute, Jordan Elliott, who was fouled in the box and earned the Young Reds their second penalty of the contest. This time O’Doherty stepped up and slotted the ball home, sealing the three points in the team’s first competitive match in the NPL.
Following the game, United Head Coach, Jones said he and his team were expecting the tough game they had, but he was happy with the way his squad played.
“I was very pleased with the performance and I thought we tried to play our football,” Jones said. “It was obviously a physical game but I think we tried to match it with them and we held our own very well.
“After half-time we had to stick to our defensive structure and I thought we executed that really well, limiting Blue Eagles to only half-chances and we made them work hard.
“Overall, we are really pleased with the result and we hope to back it up next weekend when we verse West Torrens Birkalla.
Match details:
Sunday, 28 February 2016
South Australian National Premier League Round 1
Adelaide United 2 (O’Doherty 34’ 83’)
Adelaide Blue Eagles 0
Venue: Elite Systems Football Centre
Attendance: Approx. 550
