Young Reds secure top spot

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The Adelaide United Youth Team have made it four wins in a row in the NPL State League, after defeating rivals Adelaide Olympic 3-0 at the Elite Systems Football Centre on Saturday afternoon.

Three second half goals courtesy of Mark Ochieng, Jordan Pudler and Tom Love were enough to secure the points and extend the Young Reds position on top of the table to two points.

In cold and wet conditions the Adelaide United Youth started the more dominant of the two sides as midfielders for the Young Reds Adam Piscioneri and Tom Love were allowed room in the midfield to build attacks which only eventuated into half chances in the early going.

Adelaide Olympic defended with numbers inside the box forcing the Young Reds wingers Oliver Zafridis and Antoni Trimboli to look for players at the edge of the box to avoid congestion. 

Adelaide United had more of the possession but couldn’t apply any score board pressure going into the break at 0-0.

After the restart, it only took one minute for Dylan Smith to play in a sublime through ball to Doni Pollock who got around his defender and slotted the ball past the keeper, hitting the post and rebounding to the feet of Mark Ochieng who tucked the ball away on the line. 

From the first goal Adelaide United found momentum within their style of play. In the 59th minute Doni Pollock was fouled inside the 18 yard box which the referee awarded a penalty to the Young Reds. 

Jordan Pudler stepped up against keeper Matthew Pellizari in which we side footed the ball into the bottom left corner of the net.

Ten minutes after Adelaide United all but sealed the three points. Some lovely interchange play by Dylan Smith and Tom Love allowed Love to be one on one with the keeper on an acute angle and bury the ball home to make it 3-0.

23.NPL-AUvAO

Coach of the Young Reds Michael Valkanis was very satisfied with his side’s performance and ability to create and finish their chances.

“I was really impressed with our combination play in the attacking third and our runs to create the chances we had,” said Valkanis.

“I was also impressed with our defending and our ability to be ruthless and finish our chances.

“I think against a very well structured side such as Olympic, it was a fantastic result and I am really happy with the way we are travelling at the moment and the football we are playing.

“We probably could have had a few more goals but at the end of the day I am really happy with what we are producing and hopefully we can continue it against Western Strikers next week.”

Match Details  
Saturday, 11 July 2015
NPL 2015 State League – Round 23
Adelaide United 3 (M.Ochieng, J.Pudler, T.Love)
Adelaide Olympic 0
Venue: Elite Systems Football Centre