Adelaide United Youth return to action against West Adelaide on Saturday, looking to record their first win in eight matches.
However, they have drawn their past three matches after succumbing to four straight defeats and lie four points clear of this weekend’s opponents.
Young Reds utility, Yared Abetew, said Adelaide must turn their recent positive displays into three points.
“It’s been a long time coming, I think we’ve definitely been playing well over the last few weeks but just struggling to get the win,” he said.
“We start games well but let teams get some lucky goals you could say.
“But we’re definitely looking to get the three points this weekend and get back to winning ways and keen to make the top six.”
Abetew began the season predominantly at centre-back, but has featured at right-back and more recently protecting the back four as a defensive midfielder.
His versatility has been useful for Head Coach, Paul Pezos, with the 20-year-old admitting he is just glad to contribute to the team.
“I started off the season playing in centre-back but I guess with some of the boys away Louis D’Arrigo for example I’ve slotted into the midfield, playing as a defensive midfielder,” he revealed.
“I think it’s been good and it’s working well on my side and I think just a bit of balance in the midfield and just doing what I can really at the moment – anything to benefit the team.
“And whatever position Paul Pezos puts me in I’ll give what I can for the team and if it works, it works.”
For 10th place West Adelaide, they have played out five consecutive draws, since suffering a 4-1 loss to MetroStars.
Abetew knows his side must be at their best to secure the win and to maintain hope of a finals appearance.
“I think we definitely can’t underestimate any side in this league,” he said.
“It’s pretty tight at the moment and I definitely think we need to work as a collective group and everything does their roles and I think we’re definitely good enough to get the three points.
“It’s just a matter of how we come out on game day.”
Adelaide United Youth face West Adelaide in Round 15 of the National Premier League 2019 season on Saturday, 29 June at VALO Football Centre – The Parks. Kick-off is at 5.00 PM. Reserves kick-off at 2.45pm.
