Craig Goodwin lamented Adelaide United conceding a “cheap goal” which ultimately proved the difference after a 1-0 loss to Melbourne Victory on Saturday night.
The Reds fell behind after Marcos Rojas opened the scoring on seven minutes at Coopers Stadium, as Victory carved through United’s defence without resistance.
Goodwin said yielding an early goal was not ideal, but suggested his side performed well given the number of players unavailable due to injury or Covid-19.
“Obviously when we give away I guess a cheap goal from the start it makes it difficult,” he told Network 10 post game.
“But having said that, we’ve got seven players out whether it be through injury – we’re missing four centre-backs.
“We’re having to use a lot of the depth in the squad, a lot of young boys getting a go and a lot of boys coming back from Covid.
“… It’s difficult but I thought we were the better side for the majority of the game.”
The Reds are now winless in their last four matches, but the 30-year-old Captain was remaining defiant, adamant they will overcome this rough patch of form.
“We just have to keep doing what we’re doing, working hard,” he continued.
“I think you can see from the players that played today, everyone knows their role.
“We just lacked a little bit in the final third, whether we’re a little bit unlucky or the final ball or final shot wasn’t there.
“We had enough chances and I think if we keep doing this we’ll be alright.”