In a thrilling finish against Macarthur, Zach Clough played a pivotal role in securing Adelaide United’s 2-1 win, outsmarting the Keeper in a critical penalty late in the game.
Speaking on 5AA Adelaide, Clough detailed how he won the mental battle during a tense moment that ultimately sent the Reds on their way to a first ever win in Campbelltown.
With the Reds 1-0 down in the 85th minute, substitute Yaya Dukuly was fouled, and Clough grabbed the ball to take the penalty. Macarthur’s keeper, Filip Kurto was determined to get inside Clough’s head, but the Adelaide United forward had other ideas.
“The keeper was trying to get in my head, but I didn’t really listen to him,” Clough explained on 5AA Adelaide. In a move that showcased both his confidence and quick thinking, Clough made a bold decision. “I told the keeper I was going straight down the middle… I lied to him. You have to do that sometimes.”
As the keeper hesitated in the middle of the goal, Clough calmly slotted the ball into the corner. His successful penalty gave Adelaide United the breakthrough they desperately needed in what had been a tight, hard-fought match.
Reflecting on the game, Clough acknowledged the tough nature of the contest. “It was a fairly cagey game. I think both teams knew what was on the line,” he said. With a chance to move up to second place on the A-League ladder, United battled hard, and Clough emphasised the team’s unity. “We fought hard, we stuck together as a team, and in the end, we came away with three points, which was what we wanted.”
Adelaide United’s ability to stay focused and resilient on the road has been a hallmark of their season so far. The win was their fifth consecutive away win, and the team has been building momentum. Though Clough believes they could have done even better.
“It’s been a great start for us. I think if we had a bit more luck in a couple of the other games, it could have been even better,” Clough shared. “We didn’t let the disappointment of wasting a couple of chances and good opportunities get to us,” Clough said. “We just kept going, and that’s a sign of a good team.”
While Clough’s penalty provided the lead, the game was far from over. In a dramatic finish, Luka Jovanović scored a stunning volley in stoppage time to secure the three points for the Reds. Clough praised his teammate’s instinctive play. “It was an incredible finish. He’s a very instinctive finisher, Luka, and that’s the way he plays,” Clough said. “He scores a lot of goals when you don’t quite know how he did it, and that’s a testament to him.”
As Adelaide United now prepares for their next challenge, the team has set up camp in Wellington, New Zealand. Speaking from the team hotel, Clough shared how the trip offers a chance for the squad to regroup and focus ahead of another important away game.
“We’ve just landed in Wellington, literally just got to the hotel,” he said on 5AA Adelaide. The week away will give the players an opportunity to strengthen their camaraderie and continue building on their recent performances.”
With the team’s confidence growing, Clough and his teammates are looking ahead with optimism. “It builds confidence in the team and gives us belief going into the next game now away from home, that we can do the same again and bring it on. Three more points,” Clough said.
Next up, is the Phoenix on Saturday afternoon
