The Adelaide United Youth Team has clinched a vital point against the Adelaide Cobras on Tuesday Night at the Adelaide Shores.
In a thrilling contest the Young Reds started the match with early dominance, moving the ball with free flowing rhythm although chances were limited.
While the Adelaide United Youth Team were not able to build score board pressure, the Adelaide Cobras grew in confidence and found the opening goal in the 15th minute. A shot taken by Chris Christofilos was saved by keeper Daniel Margush allowing the impeding striker an easy close range finish.
After the goal Adelaide were not to be denied and hit back 5 minutes after as winger Alec Maiolo cut in from the right and found Nathan Konstandopoulos at the edge of the area whose pass to Doni Pollock somehow saw the ball find its way into the net.
Adelaide’s quick movement and sharp skills started to overshadow The Cobras although a vast majority of attacks only seemed to be half chances.
In the 35th minute the Cobras found their second goal of the match United’s defence became disjointed enabling Chris Christofilos to profit and bury the ball into the net.
As the Young Reds became frustrated with the events a freekick on the right hand side of the pitch saw the Cobras clinch a third goal as a ball in by Chris Christofilos saw the Reds’ defence step up enabling Cobras the easiest of finishes five minutes from the break.
However, Adelaide United’s Youth Team never back down attitude saw them fight back into the match, as a magical 25 yard shot by central defender Ben Warland went over the head of gloveman Fabian Garuccio giving the Young Reds a vital goal just on halftime.
The Young Reds started the second half with purpose, controlling possession and limiting Cobras space to work with.
As the Cobras played with a defensive approach, the Young Reds weren’t able to create any clear cut opportunities due to Cobras resilient defending and forcefulness around challenges.
With chances created thick and through the half it took a stunning 95th minute stoppage time goal by substitute Niko Apostolopolous, who received a short corner and set sail from 25 yards out seeing the ball fly into the top corner of the goals.
Jubilation and shock filled the 300+ in attendance as Adelaide United rescued a much needed point and of course allowed confidence to be taken going into Fridays match with Cumberland.
“We created problems for ourselves in the first half by giving them cheap goals and I’m not sure whether we are tired or not concentrating but overall in the second half we moved the ball around well and although they were hard to break down we managed to get a point” said Coach of the Young Reds Michael Valkanis.
“For me, we got ourselves into this problem and it’s got to do with concentration and the fact that the boys need to get used to playing day in day out and starting the game focused.”
“It doesn’t matter who you play, we respect each team but we need to start concentrating at the start of matches and that comes with learning. I have no doubt the boys will understand it and we will keep working harder to get that right. ”
Match Details
Tuesday, 3 March 2015
NPL 2015 State League – Round 3
Adelaide United 3 (D.Pollock, N. Apostolopoulos, B.Warland)
Adelaide Cobras 3 (M.Katopodis, S.Bakopanos)
Venue: Adelaide Shores Football Centre
