The Adelaide United Youth Team will travel out to Port Pirie on Saturday afternoon to take on the Northern Demons in Round 6 of The NPL State League.
The Young Reds, who currently sit top of the National Premier League State League, are coming off a congested schedule which saw them play 8 games in 26 days.
Adelaide United defender Mark Ochieng said the squad is feeling confident heading into the match and is pleased to return to normal ways in regards to training and playing.
“The boys are feeling very confident and it’s obviously been a busy schedule but we are slowly recovering and getting back to normal ways,” said Ochieng.
“All aspects are getting back to normal in terms of our training load and the way we prepare for matches, so the boys are 100% fit and ready to play.”
The Young Reds have overcome this busy period well, only dropping points in two of their eight matches being against Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory. However, Mark Ochieng believes competing in the NPL State League is fantastic for the club as it allows the boys to play oppositions who have different mind sets in contrast to NYL sides.
“It’s very different playing against NPL State League teams as most sides come out with a different mentality. We like to play possession based football so most teams will try and hit us on the counter attack which is at times difficult to withstand,” said Ochieng.
“But it’s definitely a good challenge and it’s something which can be beneficial in the long term to develop players coming through the club”.
The Young Reds possession based football has caught the eye of many, especially in last week’s match against Eastern United which saw them control the match totalling an 88% pass completion rate.
“We are always encouraged by our coaches to control possession because at the end of the day if we keep the ball the results will come”.
“By controlling the game (possession wise) it slowly gives us confidence against teams, so by keeping the ball and being patient with it gaps will occur and the goals will come”.
Adelaide United Squad: Niko Apostolopoulos, Nathan Konstandopoulos, Thomas Love, Alec Maiolo, Daniel Margush, Mark Ochieng, Adam Piscioneri, Doni Pollock, Jordan Pudler, Dylan Smith, Ruon Tongyik, Antoni Trimboli, Ben Warland, Alex Woodlands, Oliver Zafiridis
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Adelaide United travel to Port Pirie to take on the Northern Demons today (Saturday 14 March) at Byrne Park in Round 6 of the NPL State League Season. Kick-off at 6:00pm.
And the Adelaide United reserves are also making the trip to Port Pirie to take on the Northern Demons today (Saturday 14 March) at Byrne Park. Kick-off at 4:00pm.
