Adelaide United will host Adelaide Blue Eagles in Round 7 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues at The Parks Football Centre, in what will be a battle for the three points on Wednesday night.
The now vibrant Adelaide United, returned home from the Riverland in an abundance of confidence after collecting their first three points of their NPL campaign following such a discouraging start to the season, trying to develop as a football team.
The Young Reds were victorious over a strong West Adelaide outfit, ultimately stealing the points off of the side. Three goals were netted past their opponents, courtesy of Ryan Strain, Blake Carpenter and Pacifique Niyongabire.
Tenth-placed Adelaide Blue Eagles have not had the best start to their season with just two wins. Last week, they fell 2-3 to Matthew Mullen and the Para Hills Knights.
Adelaide United Head Coach, Huss Skenderovic commented on his side’s awesome win last weekend, and the amount of belief that has resonated into the players, and himself as a coach because of it.
“We had training Tuesday morning, and it was very good, the players looked well and trained hard,” he said.
“Following the return to Adelaide from Berri, taking the win against West Adelaide with us, the team are in such high-spirits and full of enthusiasm.
“It has really given them the belief to start winning games and to also beat top teams like West Adelaide.
“It shows them, and proves to the team that they are capable of achieving some victories this season.”
“Taking the pressure off of the players has really helped them, and just letting them focus on playing football, we were able to relish in the success of it.”
Skenderovic commended West Adelaide on their start to the season, and the quality of their side.
Winning against a strong team has brought even more confidence into the Reds, and noted that they had played their best football he has witnessed this season.
“West Adelaide are a really good team, with great players, and I believe they will play finals football, so it was even better to get the win over such a good team.
“It was without a doubt the best football we have played, and from what I have seen this year.
“It was good to see what we have worked so hard on in training, come into the game so fluently.
“I’m very proud of the team, and happy as a coach, and it is also such a relief to have gotten our maiden win.”
United will go into their next match-up against Adelaide Blue Eagles with the same mindset as last round.
Skenderovic mentioned the competition for a spot in his side, in particular, Niyonagbire has been noticeably pivotal for Adelaide in recent games.
“We will have the same mindset and mentality from last week, against Adelaide Blue Eagles this week.
“We will play the same brand of football that we know, and of last week.
“I know Blue Eagles have not had the best run as of late, but we won’t underestimate them when we come face-to-face.
“Whether we win or lose, it is not too much of a concern, we will go out there and focus on playing and take it from there.
“It is also good to see players fighting for a spot in the squad, it definitely makes them work harder and develop into better footballers.”
The Young Reds kick-off at 8:15pm on Wednesday night at The Parks Football Centre. The Reserves kick-off at 6:15pm.
