Carl Veart praised his players after Adelaide United secured a home Elimination Final thanks to a 2-1 win over Western United at Coopers Stadium.
It was a pair of full-backs that helped overturn the early deficit following sensational strikes, first from Javi López and then Ryan Kitto.
The result secured fourth spot and thus a do-or-die clash at Coopers Stadium this Sunday.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Veart could not hide his satisfaction after guiding the Reds to a second successive Isuzu UTE A-League Finals Series in his second full season as Head Coach.
“Credit to the playing group, it’s been a difficult season and they’ve stuck at it,” he said.
“Tonight, was a good game, Western is a very good side and they really challenged us.
“So they made it very difficult for us but full credit to the boys, they dug in because it’s important to get that home final.
“At times tonight, we weren’t good with our passing but happier to get another win.”
Javi López demonstrated composure and precision when his first-time curling shot from the edge of the box, following Bernardo’s lay-off, flew into the top corner to restore parity.
Ryan Kitto then slotted the winner in equally stunning fashion when he dribbled forward and dispatched a right-footed shot that left goalkeeper Jamie Young helpless.
It was the 27-year-old’s first goal in nearly three years, while the Spaniard netted his third of the season.
Veart was delighted for the pair of them but admitted the team was sloppy in possession at times.
“At times we gave the ball away a little bit too easily when we’re in that final third and then we made it very difficult for us because they’ve a lot of speed,” he said.
“But that’s what we want to do, we want to play that attacking brand and both full-backs got their rewards. Two great goals so very happy for them.”
Adelaide are likely to host Central Coast Mariners this Sunday in an Elimination Final and Veart anticipated it to be a cracking contest given both sides are in form.
“It’s going to be a great game next week, two teams I suppose, us, Central Coast and Melbourne Victory are the teams that have got a little bit of form at the moment going into finals,” he continued.
“It’s important that you go into finals with a fit squad, a full squad and we’re fortunate enough we’ve got all of our players back and they’re all battling for that starting position in the eleven.
“There were very difficult decisions for me to make this week with the squad that we had available and the players I selected. It’s a good problem to have for us.”
