Adelaide United Youth play away this week, against Croydon Kings in the fifth round of the South Australian National Premier League 2018 Season, at Polonia Reserve.
After a tough game at home last week against Adelaide City, the Young Reds continue their difficult run of games, with another dangerous opponent in Croydon Kings.
The game against Adelaide City ended 3-1, with Lachlan Brook pulling back a late goal which gave the Young Reds some hope.
Head Coach, Paul Pezos, was obviously disappointed on missing out on the three points, but was happy with his side’s performance.
“Very pleased with the performance against one of the best sides in Adelaide, I thought the first half we did quite well, we were disciplined and could have gone two or three goals up.
“The penalty in the 45th minute really hurt us going into the break and then we just didn’t put away our chances and a team like City will punish you for that.”
During the early stages of the game Carlo Armiento also sustained an injury, after his head collided with another player’s knee during a tackle.
Pezos was quick to maintain that Armiento would be back this week and the injury was purely superficial.
“He was fine, he received some stitches and I felt for him, he was very keen to stay on and play on but he needed to get stitched up at the hospital and he’ll be back this week.”
Travelling away from home this week and facing the reigning champions, Croydon provide a stern test, however Pezos is ever assured his team will be ready to dethrone the Kings.
“We’re very confident, we’ve had some tough weeks, we’ve been coming up against high quality opposition week in week out,
“We’ve matched them in every aspect of the game and even though the results haven’t come, we haven’t been outplayed and we have greater belief now that we can stand up and win some games.”
With players such as Pacifique Niyongabire and Paul Wilson returning to the side this week, Pezos believes it could be the boost they need to take the game to the champions.
“Paul Wilson had a suspension and he’s served that now, as well as Pacifique having a sore calf so we were watching that carefully and he’s back in training this week, so hopefully he’ll be fit to play.
“We’re up for any team, and that’s not being arrogant that’s a mentality we’ve brought to the club and even though Croydon are the reigning champions we’re going out to win the game.
“They’re coached well and they have good players but we like a challenge, this will be a big test for us and we’re not going to hide from it.”
Adelaide United Youth play at the Polonia Reserve for Round 5 of the National Premier League 2018 season on Saturday 17 March against Croydon Kings. Kick-off is at 3:00pm, Reserves kick-off at 1:00pm.
