The Adelaide United Youth Team will embark on their second away game of the season in Round 5 of the 2016 National Premier League against Croydon Kings at Polonia Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
The Young Reds will go into their match with Croydon Kings full of confidence after a very solid performance against MetroStars at the Elite Systems Football Centre last weekend, which ended 2-2.
United’s Youth Team Head Coach, Mark Jones, said that the draw against MetroStars was a decent result against an experienced side. And while he lamented a missed opportunity to claim the three points, Jones highlighted how his side must continue to increase their work ethic to ensure they progress as much as possible this season.
“The team played well last week, and withstood the pressure MetroStars placed on them, but in the end it was a matter of running out of energy which resulted in conceding a last minute goal,” Jones said.
“We definitely could have wrapped the game up with another goal, as we created many chances and opportunities arose.
“This will be something that needs to be worked on ahead of the next game against Croydon. Working hard for the full 90 minutes being the main factor if we want to win.
“We must also continue to improve on defending set pieces, as they have been proven to be crucial to whether we win, lose, or draw.”
Ahead of this weekend’s match, Jones noted that Croydon are another strong and will be another test for his boys.
“We will need to remain switched on against Croydon and avoid making the mistakes that have cost us in past games when we lost focus,” he continued.
“Again, this competition is boys against men and the talent is close to first team football so it is important that we yearn to win.
“We must also concentrate and always have the urgency to win the ball, and remain defensively disciplined at the same time.
“The team is confident in their abilities that every game they go out to play in, they can win.
“They don’t go out there to just hold on, they know what they can do and are full of a competitive spirit that can take them far.
“Of course it is more than just belief, they have to physically do it, and with playing away it will be tougher, depending on the surface and conditions as we want to move around quick and avoid battles.
“But, all things considered, the entire team is confident that we can go to Croydon and get the three points.”
Adelaide United Youth Team will face Croydon Kings in Round 5 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier League on Saturday, 26 March at the Polonia Reserve. Kick-off is at 3.00pm.
