Jordan Elsey insists Adelaide United’s goal remains a top-two finish as the Reds approach the business end of the A-League 2020/21 season.
Adelaide experienced its second loss in 11 matches following a last-gasp 2-1 defeat against Wellington Phoenix, missing the opportunity to usurp Melbourne City at the summit.
The Reds lie in third place on 30 points in what is an extremely congested table with only five points separating the top six.
Elsey said the team’s objective has not changed despite its disappointing setback.
“The top two (is our aim), we want a home final,” Elsey said at his press conference.
“We love playing at home and I think we’re a great side at home.”
Helping the Reds’ cause is the fact that five of United’s eight remaining games are at Coopers Stadium, something the defender believes is advantageous to his side.
The venue has been a fortress for Carl Veart’s charges having collected six wins and a draw in eight matches at home this year.
“We as a playing group love playing at Hindmarsh,” he said.
“We have great fans that come here week in week out, so we’re excited to have a lot of home games coming up to finish the season off.
“The fans give us that extra boost and we want to impress our fans when we play at home.”
The next two Reds’ fixtures are back-to-back Friday night home clashes, starting with Western United.
“They’re a good team,” Elsey said, after playing out a 0-0 draw on the opening day of the campaign.
“They had a good result last night (on Monday) against Newcastle (Jets).
“We played them in the first game of the season, so we know it’s going to be a tough game and they’ve some players that can change the game and do good things for them.”
The centre-back admitted he relishes competing against the best players in the league including, Italian maestro Alessandro Diamanti and striker Besart Berisha, who are integral to Western.
“He definitely keeps me on my toes,” said the 27-year-old about Berisha, who is the only Reds player to have played every minute of all 18 games this season.
“I can’t remember how many battles (we’ve had) in the past, so hopefully I get this one over him on Friday night.”
Next match details:
Friday, 30 April vs Western United
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 19
Kick-off 7.05pm ACST
Gates open 6.05pm ACST
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Broadcast: Fox Sports
Stream: Kayo Sports, MyFootball Live App
