Following the biggest win in Hyundai A-League history, Adelaide United captain Travis Dodd says he knew what the Reds were capable of and that it was only a matter of time before they put it all together.
Adelaide United gave North Queensland a football lesson in an 8-1 demolition at Hindmarsh Stadium, a result that set Hyundai A-League records tumbling. The highest score in a game, the greatest winning margin and the first time two players have scored hat tricks in the same match. These were all feats that came from the rout as the Reds highlighted their intent as a serious championship contender with a serious statement of ruthless finishing.
Admittedly the bottom placed Fury did not prove to be the toughest resistance, but the Reds still had to remain relentless in finding the back of the net eight times. Dodd credits the players- mentality heading into the match for the remarkable result and told of the how the team had made a concerted decision to keep relenting for the full 90 minutes.
“We spoke about staying focused and concentrated for the whole game, and I think after we got the first goal, just having that concentration and focus to keep pushing and still creating chances, I think you just want to keep trying and working harder and making sure we did kill a team off, because we have had opportunities in the past when we haven-t done it, and it was great to see the result tonight and really put them to the sword,” Dodd said.
“It could have been easy for us to sit back and take our foot off the pedal and I guess drop to a lower level and turn the ball over and not continue to score, but credit to the boys, they kept the right attitude and mentality to keep pushing on and that will to keep scoring goals.”
On a night to remember, Dodd had a hand in five of the Reds- goals, his link up with playmaker Marcos Flores a feature as they constantly lit up Hindmarsh Stadium.
“He (Flores) is an outstanding player, a great number 10 to have in your side and I guess the understanding that I had with him personally was similar to the levels we had in the champions league last season,” Dodd said.
“It-s great playing alongside Marcos and you know more often than not he-s going to put those killer passes in for you…so he-s an invaluable player to the team.”
Dodd knows the test for the Reds now will be to carry the same impetus they showed against the Fury into the rest of the season, starting with Saturday night-s crucial encounter against the Central Coast Mariners.
“We-ve got an important four games left, we-ve got to savour this win but focus on the next game and make sure that we put in the same attitude and mentality, and come out with another good win.”
Tickets for the match against the Mariners are available through Ticketek.
