Craig Goodwin said he always expected a tough game and heaped praise on Lions FC for making it difficult for the Reds to assert their dominance.
Adelaide United laboured to a 1-0 win in the FFA Cup 2018 Round of 16 tie over the National Premier League side from Queensland at Perry Park on Wednesday night.
It was Goodwin’s goal which separated the two teams after capitalising on a defensive mistake.
Goodwin, who has now scored two goals in as many matches in the Cup, said it was virtually a battle for the entire duration of the clash.
“I think we knew coming here that it was going to be a tough game,” Goodwin told Fox Sports after the match.
“And that the pitch isn’t going to be the same quality that we would usually be on.
“So we knew it was going to be a case of winning the battle, and then playing the football and just as the game turned out it stayed a battle for the whole 90 minutes.
“I think they did really well, full credit to them, they’ve got some good players and they pushed us all the way.
“Of course we’re still in pre-season, so we’re still growing, learning and getting our fitness.
“But it’s about winning the game that’s in front of you and you’re not always going to win games from playing good football.
“So for us it was about winning the battle and in the end managed to do that.”
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The 26-year-old added that after the break his side tried to really dictate terms but it never really eventuated except at the beginning of the second-half.
“I think playing against an NPL team, we’re the A-League team and we want to be able to dominate the game,” he said.
“And to be able to really show our level and try and push on, but it was a game like I said before that stayed a battle.
“And we really had to fight for that win and they pushed us all the way so massive credit to them, they did very well.”
Goodwin also said he was thrilled to be back playing in his hometown, and enjoying playing a more influential role in the team upon his return from Europe.
“It’s obviously a different challenge coming back now and I think having to play a more important role for the team,” he said.
“But really enjoying being back and we’ve got a good group of boys and we’re growing each game I think and come the season we’ll be a strong outfit.”
