Adrian Stenta was pleased Adelaide United secured all three points despite his side not firing on all cylinders against newcomer Wellington Phoenix.
The Reds recorded a crucial 1-0 win after Paige Hayward’s maiden Liberty A-League goal in the second-half proved pivotal on a hot night at Coopers Stadium.
The 26-year-old became United’s seventh different scorer this season when she finished off a brilliant passing move.
Stenta acknowledged although Adelaide did not produce a fluent attacking performance, he was delighted with certain aspects and indeed a first clean sheet.
“Definitely pleased with the result,” Stenta said after the match.
“It was great to keep a clean sheet for the first time this season which is something we haven’t been able to do.
“I thought there were patches where we played some really good football, but just didn’t have that cutting edge in the final third.
“But I felt comfortable for most of the game as well. I can’t remember too many saves apart from set-pieces that Annie (Annalee Grove) had to make.
“There’s no easy games in this league and every opponent comes to play to win so I’m just glad that we were able to find a way to get the job done.”
The Head Coach, back on the touchline after recovering from COVID-19, said the fact that they won without playing their best football was a testament to the team’s growth.
“I think sometimes you need to be able to do that (win when you’re not playing at your best),” he said.
“That’s what the good teams do, the teams at the top.
“Sometimes you’ve just got to find a way to win and we were able to do that tonight.”
The important win moves Adelaide to four triumphs and three defeats at the midway point of the campaign to remain in fourth spot.
Stenta said he was content with where his side lie on the ladder, but knows in order to remain there they must continue picking up maximum points.
“It was pleasing because we’re where we want to be at the moment which is inside the top four,” he continued.
“And if we keep winning we’re a good chance to stay there.
“We’ve got a tough run of matches coming up and it’s always good to be ahead of the curve at the halfway point of the season with more wins than losses.”
