Adelaide United Youth will be looking to wrap up a maiden finals appearance with a win over West Adelaide in Round 21 of the National Premier League 2018 season at the Smith Partners Stadium.
The Young Reds are in high spirits for this week’s game against West Adelaide, coming off the back of a 3-0 win against West Torrens Birkalla.
The Reds were rampant in the second-half, as all three goals occurred after the break.
Aladin Irabona was scintillating, scoring the goal of the match in the 90th minute with an impressive piece of individual skill.
“I think the game, for us, we started a bit slow,” Irabona said.
“But as the game progressed to the second-half I think we showed our fitness and I think my goal was maybe one in a hundred.”
Irabona was wary ahead of the upcoming game against West Adelaide, with finals fast approaching.
“The boys are in high spirits after that game against Birkalla, but I think we know we’re not safe just yet,” he said.
“We know we have to get one more win to secure the spot and we’re feeling quietly confident, but we know it’s going to be a tough game.”
The Young Reds were flying high last time out, winning 4-1 in the previous outing against West Adelaide this year.
Irabona was quick to remember the win, recalling as well that the squad has changed significantly since Round 10.
“It was a very good game for us, but we’ve lost a lot of players to the senior squad, there’s been a lot of change,” he said.
“I think the players we’ve brought in now are more than capable of replicating the result.”
Now coming to the pointy end of the season, the Young Reds know a win will not only guarantee a finals berth but also secure fifth spot on the table.
Irabona stressed that the next two games were important.
“Finals are definitely on the boy’s mind, I don’t think we should focus on it too much, because anything is possible,” he continued.
“There’s still two games left and it’s definitely on our minds, but we’re still focused on getting the job done.”
Adelaide United Youth host West Adelaide in Round 21 of the National Premier League 2018 season on Sunday, 29of July at Smith Partners Stadium. Kick-off is at 3:15 PM ACST.
