Alhassan Toure scored for the fourth consecutive week but that could not stop Adelaide United Youth from suffering a second defeat in eight matches, going down 2-1 to Adelaide Comets on Saturday.
Toure levelled proceedings in the 56th minute after a helter-skelter start to the second-half which saw Allan Welsh convert a penalty at SA Athletics Stadium. But the attacker’s fifth goal of the campaign was in vain following a late Scott Nagel strike.
Some six changes were made to the starting line-up by Head Coach, Paul Pezos, with Kristin Konstandopoulos, Yared Abetew, Louis D’Arrigo, Lachlan Brook, Carlo Armiento, and Pacifique Niyongabire all returning.
The hosts made a bright start, suffocating United Youth in their own half and refusing them time on the ball.
Armiento did unleash a swerving drive from the left flank which forced the Comets’ gloveman into parrying his strike away to release some of the early pressure.
However, in general well-fashioned chances were few and far between as it finished all square at the break.
https://twitter.com/aufc_YouthTeam/status/1155018114607640577?s=20
But if the first 45 minutes was largely uninspiring, the second stanza immediately came to life.
Comets thought they opened the scoring when Young Reds goalkeeper, Dakota Ochsenham was dispossessed following a back pass.
However, the linesman spotted a foul in the process and the goal was chalked off.
Though they did not have to wait long to break the deadlock after being awarded a penalty moments later, which Welsh confidently slotted.
United Youth responded through Toure, who found the net for incredibly the fourth match in a row after turning in a low cross from the left.
Both sides exchanged opportunities with the hosts coming the closest when a header from a set-piece crashed off the crossbar.
With five minutes left, Comets found the breakthrough after a saved shot spilled out to Nagel who drove his effort beyond the ‘keeper from approximately the edge of the area.
The Young Reds will hope to bounce back against Adelaide Olympic next weekend with their finals aspirations hanging in the balance.
Adelaide United Youth Reserves
Adelaide United Youth Reserves went down 2-0 to Adelaide Comets Reserves in the preceding match.
Adelaide United Youth host Adelaide Olympic in Round 20 of the National Premier League 2019 season on Saturday, 3 August at VALO Football Centre – The Parks. Kick-off is at 3.00 PM. Reserves kick-off at 12.45pm.
