Adelaide United are back in action following a week off as they prepare to tackle cellar-dweller South Adelaide at O’Sullivan Beach Sports and Community Centre on Thursday night.
The Young Reds’ four-match unbeaten streak came to an end last time out following a 3-1 loss to Adelaide Comets.
Despite the defeat, positivity remains high amongst the group as they look to rebound against strugglers South Adelaide, who currently sit at the foot of the table.
The Panthers are winless from the opening eight rounds, suffering seven losses in the process.
Midfielder Ryan Yates insisted they will not be taking South lightly regardless of their predicament.
“I think we just go into every game like normal,” he stated.
“They’re a good team, they’ve got quality players like Liam Wooding and Sam Carmichael in the midfield, along with younger players that have gone through the youth team system in recent years.
“So we know they’ll be up for a battle and they’ll have something to prove as well, although their results don’t show.”
The midfielder said the team was also looking to return to winning ways, aiming to consolidate their top-six status.
“Against Comets they’re obviously a quality side and it just wasn’t our day in the end,” he said.
“But training the last week has been at a high intensity and we’re all excited to bounce back on Thursday night and go down to Panthers and get the result.”
The 19-year-old has featured in all eight games so far this season, nailing down a starting berth in recent weeks alongside Louis D’Arrigo and Kristin Konstandopoulos.
He said he was pleased with his form and knows he must maintain his solid displays to remain in the team.
“Personally, I feel like I’m trying to do my best for the team and the coaches,” he said.
“There’s high competition for spots especially with Pez (Paul Pezos), he wants the best out of all of us.
“So you just have to keep performing to keep your role and hopefully I can do that.
“But at the end of the day it’s about the team and getting results so if we just keep working together we can achieve that and hopefully achieve something special.”
Adelaide United Youth face South Adelaide in Round 9 of the National Premier League 2019 season on Thursday, 9 May at O’Sullivan Beach Sports and Community Centre. Kick-off is at 7.00 PM. Reserves kick-off at 12.45pm on Saturday, 11 May.
