The Young Reds have recorded back-to-back wins for the first time this season, beating the Western Sydney Wanderers youth 2-0 at the shores on Sunday afternoon.
In perfect conditions, the Western Sydney Wanderers began pressuring right from the start, forcing the young reds to hold onto their possession and wait for gaps and chances to unlock the Wanderers.
As Adelaide held possession, their explosive wingers Alec Maiolo and Samed Altundag made immediate impact as each of them caused trouble in and around the Wanderers defence.
As Adelaide grew in confidence, a perfectly waited ball by Ben Warland escaped the Wanderers defence which allowed Samed Altundag to use his pace to put himself one on one which Wanderers goalkeeper Thomas Manos could only bring him down leading to a penalty for the Young Reds.
Samed Altundag took responsibility of the spot kick as he made no mistake burying the ball into the back of the net giving the hosts a 1-0 advantage in the 12th minute.
The Young Reds soon after scoring gained confidence as they stepped up a gear, controlling the game through series of attacks as well as ensuring defensive stability.
In the 34th minute the Young Reds doubled their lead this time Alec Maiolo and Dylan Smith were able to link up on the right hand side allowing Maiolo’s low driven cross to rebound off a Wanderers defender which saw the ball pounced upon by Nathan Konstandopoulos who calmly placed the ball into the bottom of the net from close range.
On the brink of halftime Western Sydney Wanderers had a golden chance to restore the deficit as a nicely flicked ball through by Steve Kuzmanovski found Michael Trajkovski who’s one on one effort was expertly saved by reds keeper Sergio Serret.
As the start of the second half began, the Wanderers started well exposing the flanks through Kwabena Appiah and Steve Kuzmanovski. In the 49th minute a nice piece of work on the right by Kwabena Appiah found Yianni Perkatis whose shot was hit with too much power sailing over the bar.
In the 65th minute substitute Jack Bladen found space in and around the Wanderers defence and was able to square the ball to Dylan Smith whose shot was saved by Manos.
The Young Reds from then on took a strong hold of the game, as some lovely interchanging from Dylan Smith and substitute Jack Bladen allowed Anthony Costa to open up a chance who’s sweetly struck shot was saved by keeper Thomas Manos.
Despite Adelaide’s dominance Western Sydney created an array of opportunities which saw United’s defence stand up to keep their well-deserved lead.
At full time the Young Reds held onto their two goal advantage which saw them outlast the Western Sydney Wanderers Youth.
“Today I was more impressed with the football we played; as it was more the football we have been working towards and it’s taken a bit of time but today we saw how we want the youth team to play” said head coach Michael Valkanis.
“I think the boys have shown throughout the last two weeks that if you defend as a team and have that want and desire and that willingness to win the ball back then you’re going to keep clean sheets and win games.”
Match Details
Sunday, 14 December 2014
Foxtel National Youth League – Round 9
Adelaide United 2 (Costa 10′)
Western Sydney Wanderers 0
Venue: Adelaide Football Shores Sports Complex
Attendance: 280
