Adrian Stenta was delighted to come away with a crucial three points after an impressive 4-2 win over Perth Glory.
Chelsie Dawber bagged a clinical first-half brace, Matilda McNamara scored a header and Emily Condon superbly curled a free-kick beyond the goalkeeper to kick-off 2022.
However, Perth did not go down without a fight and twice equalised before the Reds withstood a spell of Glory pressure to seal the triumph with those two goals late in the second period.
The result also extended the Reds’ unbeaten run against Perth to seven games, having not suffered a defeat against them since December 2016.
“It was a pretty open game,” Stenta told reporters in the post-match press conference.
“It would’ve been a good game for spectators to watch I think, probably not so good for coaches.
“But we knew they were a dangerous side, they’ve won both their games they’ve played leading into this one as well.
“But I thought we were good enough for the three points today and I’m glad that’s the result that it came to be.”
Stenta said it was an encouraging attacking performance, though admitted he would like his side to be more resolute defensively due to the concession of two more goals.
“It was nice to score first, it was nice to score multiple goals,” he said.
“We’ve scored in every game this year, so we’ve got confidence that we can score.
“I’m happy with the way that we’re creating chances and it was good to finish off quite a few today.”
Adelaide now has two wins and two losses from its first four games.
But with the likes of Dylan Holmes and Kayla Sharples appearing for the first time this season and bolstering the squad, building momentum will now be the key to climb the table.
Stenta was asked to comment on Holmes’ first game back since re-joining the Club and lauded her impact.
“You can just see that she’s a really dynamic player,” he continued.
“Good quality on the ball, good leader and just brings a lot to our change room off the field as well.
“So she’s only going to build and get better, she’s just got to get used to playing in hot weather again after coming from Sweden.”
