Adelaide United defeated NPL Victoria 2 side, Northcote City FC 0-2 on Monday night to progress to the Australia Cup Round of 16.
Captain, Craig Goodwin scored after just six minutes, with a low, direct drive that was spilled over the line by goalkeeper, Brandon Cuminao.
The goal was established through a trademark piercing run through central midfield by newly re-signed midfielder, Jonny Yull, who was a handful throughout.
The Isuzu Ute A-League side dominated proceedings throughout and had copious chances to put the tie well away after the first 45 at John Cain Memorial Park.
Debutant and right-back, Giuseppe Bovalina looked right at home in his maiden first team start, equally as impressive going forward as he was at the back.
Known to pop up for a headed goal in the local RAA NPL SA competition, Bovalina was often advanced and ready to contribute to the attack in an inverted fullback position.
A double substitution in the 63rd minute gave Adelaide a second wind, and they pushed the tempo through the pace of Nestory Irankunda and Luka Jovanović.
Jovanović hustled and provided a lofted cross at the byline for Zach Clough to coolly dispatch into the bottom corner in the 85th, sealing the victory.
Fabian Talladira, son of Adelaide City legend, Carlo also made his Adelaide United debut courtesy of an 87th minute substitution.
Goodwin was pleased with his side’s performance, and to have personally played the full 90 upon his return from groin surgery in the off-season
“We’re really happy to progress in the Cup and it was great to see a bit of the progress in the style of play we’ve been trying to implement for this season,” he said.
“It’s good to get minutes in the legs and I was a bit lucky with the goal which is nice, but mostly just happy to be back playing games and progressing in how we want to play as well.”
The Reds will face Western Sydney Wanderers away in the Round of 16, after the draw was revealed late on Monday night.
