Reds Head Coach Adrian Stenta shared his thoughts following the 1-1 draw with Western United on Saturday night. Stenta discussed the team’s performance, individual contributions, and the challenges faced in a tough night at Marden. Here’s what Stenta had to say:
Stenta on the result…
“I think it’s one point earned. It was a really challenging game, and we weren’t at our best today. Western United played quite well. They caused us problems, and while we didn’t reach our usual level, it’s probably a game we would have lost last year. So, to come away with something from the game, despite not being at our best today, I was pleased that the girls were able to fight out a result and get a point. It shows that we are in a much better position this year, and that’s something to be proud of.”
Stenta on the team’s performance…
“I thought our work rate and our ability to stick to the tasks and the plan we set out to play with was excellent. Their endeavour and intensity were great, and you could see that they wanted to get the result. We probably just struggled to retain the ball in certain areas, especially in the final third, which is where we usually create clear-cut opportunities. I haven’t seen the stats yet, but I suspect our total shots were low, and our shots on target would be low as well. That just goes to show we weren’t able to get into dangerous positions or finish effectively. So, we struggled in those moments, and the ball probably came back at us too quickly, which made it harder to build attacks.”
Stenta on missing players and squad depth…
“I fully back everyone that’s in our squad, and I feel like the players we called in to step up today did a good job. It’s never easy when you lose a player late on match day, like we did with Emily [Condon] today, and that certainly added to the challenge. But we’ve got a squad that can handle those situations, and we need to rely on that depth. Fiona’s [Worts] been fantastic for us all year, and we really missed her, but that’s what we need to do as a team — manage these situations, and ensure we have players who can step up and do the job when needed. We have a strong group, and today, they all contributed in some way.”
Stenta on Claudia Jenkins’ performance…
“Claudia did really well to close down the space and keep the ball out of the net for as long as she did. She made some key saves, especially in the first half, and she was really calm in those moments. It’s been great to see her perform consistently well throughout the season. She’s really taken her game to the next level, and I’m glad she’s been able to show that in such important moments. I know how hard she worked during the off-season to get herself ready for this year, and it’s clear that all that effort is paying off. She’s a fantastic character, and I’m just pleased to see her getting the recognition she deserves for her hard work.”
Stenta on Erin’s thunderbolt goal…
“Erin’s goal was outstanding. She turned the player on the halfway line, and then she just drove forward with the ball, picking up pace as she went. I think she’s one of the highest-rated players in the league for her dribbling ability, and you saw that today. She just took control of the situation, and the shot was fantastic — it was powerful and placed so well. As a purist, I would have loved to see the ball ripple the net in a perfect way, but to be honest, it was a fantastic goal, and I’m really pleased for her. It was a great moment for the team.”
Stenta on Ella Tonkin’s 50th game…
“Ella is an outstanding player, an outstanding person, and an outstanding leader. She knows how highly I think of her, and she’s someone I rely on week in, week out. I thought she put in another great performance today, as did all of our defenders. She’s been a crucial part of this team for a number of seasons now, and she’s always stepped up when it’s mattered. I’m so happy she’s been able to play 50 games for her hometown club, and I hope she continues to play many more. My wish as a coach is that she plays another 50 games for Adelaide United, because while I’m here, I love having her around. She’s one of the real pillars of this team.”
