The Adelaide United Youth Team have been crowned Champions of the 2015 NPL State League, after defeating the Adelaide Victory 13-3 at the Elite Systems Football Centre on Saturday afternoon.
In one of the tightest endings to a season, it took a phone call to source the news that league leaders Cumberland United had drawn 2-2 with Adelaide Hills, which then enabled the Young Reds to leap frog the Foxes to clinch their first maiden State League title.
The Young Reds treated the spectators with an impressive display, with marksman Doni Pollock scoring seven goals, Antoni Trimboli scored a brace plus added strikes from Dylan Smith, Adam Piscioneri and Nathan Konstandopoulos all but sealed the points for Adelaide.
Adelaide United began the match in ruthless fashion, opening the deadlock in the 2nd minute as Dylan Smith played in a through ball to winger Antoni Trimboli who made no mistake.
The Young Reds then doubled their advantage just on 16 minutes through marksman Doni Pollock, who had the easiest of finishes set up by Samed Altundag.
Captain Adam Piscioneri, scored his first goal of the game after being set up by Jordan Pudler who laid the ball back and unleashed a driving shot just outside the box hitting the back of the net with force.
Doni Pollock then netted his second of the afternoon, passing the ball into an unguarded net after a low driven cross by Trimboli making it 4-0.
In the 37th minute winger Antoni Trimboli, was on the end of an enticing cross by Samed Altundag in which Trimboli slotted the ball home from point blank range.
Aaron Westervelt scored one back for the Victory, giving the visitors the slightest bit of hope going into the half time break.
After the interval, Adelaide kept control of the football scoring another seven goals and all but finished the match with a perfect team performance.
The result, which looked to have booked a date with Pirates in the next coming weeks was all but a myth, as two late goals from the Adelaide Hawks gave Adelaide United the points allowing them to finish top of the State League Table and granting them automatic promotion in to next season’s NPL Premier League.
Coach of the Young Reds, Michael Valkanis believes this season’s result came down to the hard work his side put in throughout the season.
“The way today played out made the result even more exciting for everyone apart of this club,” said Valkanis.
“Today, we played a brave courage’s game, we played an attacking game and we got our just rewards for the work the team has put in.
“You always have to have effort and attitude at the highest level, no matter what but it’s been a long season but as a club and team we will always remember this day.”
Winger for the Young Reds, Antoni Trimboli was ecstatic with the outcome, especially as the side were not tipped to win the league in their position.
“Today, we worked so hard and getting the news that we won the title was amazing,” said Trimboli.
“We have worked hard all season and it’s so good to finally have a title under our belt.
“But overall, it’s been an amazing season with a fantastic bunch of people and I’m so happy for what we have achieved.”
Match Details
Saturday 29 August 2015
NPL 2015 State League – Round 30
Adelaide United 13 (D.Pollock 7, A.Trimboli 2, A.Piscioneri, D.Smith, N.Konstandopoulos)
Adelaide Victory 3 (A.Westervelt 2, D.Paladino)
Venue: Elite Systems Football Centre
