Melbourne City matchwinner Nick Fitzgerald says his side’s hard-fought 1-0 away win over leaders Adelaide United is the result of a renewed defensive resolve.
City conceded only two shots on goal in snapping the Reds’ 14-match unbeaten streak on Friday night.
Fitzgerald’s superb 71st minute strike capped a fine performance, but the debut goalscorer preferred to praise his new side’s rearguard as they kept a second straight clean sheet.
Fitzgerald nets cracker as City end Reds’ unbeaten run
“It’s something we’ve worked on the last couple of weeks,” Fitzgerald told Fox Sports after the match.
“We’ve let in a few soft goals and haven’t been clinical enough up front either to punish them.
“I thought we tightened the defence up well tonight and limited them to very few chances.
“We didn’t have many chances up front but will take the three points in the end.”
In addition to moving them within one point of top spot, Fitzgerald’s first goal for the club also earned City a first away win since round 10.
“We’ve had a few chances in the past month or two against opposition we probably thought we should beat (but didn’t),” the former Central Coast and Brisbane Roar forward said.
“Tonight we came away from home against arguably the best team in the competition at the moment.
“To come away with three points and put pressure back on the leaders is a great effort from the boys all-round.”
