Adelaide United wrapped up their first part of their pre-season with a hit out against State League One outfit Cumberland United at AA Bailey Reserve in Clarence Gardens on Tuesday night. The match served as the last rehearsal before their Australia Cup Round of 32 clash against Blacktown City FC in New South Wales next week.
Archie Goodwin was the standout performer, netting a hat-trick, while Panashe Madanha (2), Zach Clough (2) and Luka Jovanović (1) contributed. Despite the scoreline, the goal of the game came from Cumberland’s Kade Elliott, who unleashed a stunning strike from outside the box.
Coach Carl Veart highlighted the importance of playing on an artificial pitch, similar to what they will face in the Australia Cup.
“It was a good experience for the boys to play on an artificial pitch as that’s what we have to come up against next week. We had a much better second half today with more control of the ball and it was a very good experience for the boys.”
Veart then added praise to the playing group for the levels being shown this early in preseason and gave kudos to newcomers Dylan Pieras and Archie Goodwin.
“We’re working on a different style of play for us this season and the boys are picking it up quite well. For week three of preseason I was really happy with the intensity tonight and the commitment from the players was excellent,” Veart added.
“Archie and Dylan have fitted in really well, both quite young but offer great experience to the playing group, playing very direct which is something we want to do this year. It’s very pleasing that Archie is scoring goals as well as young Luka [Jovanović].”
Before the match, Adelaide United held a signing session for the Cumberland United community, enhancing the community atmosphere at the ground.
The club extends their gratitude to Cumberland United for hosting the match and wish them success in their State League One campaign.
Adelaide United Squad v Cumberland United
Delianov, Madanha, Isaías, Kikianis, López, Barnett, Tunnicliffe, Clough, Alagich, Pierias, Goodwin, Yull, Jovanović, Ayoubi, Dukuly, White, Crawford, Garrucio, Cox
