It’s good to be home! After hitting the road, the Reds are back at Hindmarsh Stadium and are hungry for points!
It’s good to be home! After hitting the road, the Reds are back at Hindmarsh Stadium and are hungry for points!
It’s been a busy week for Adelaide United. After a tough – and ultimately heartbreaking trip to Gosford and a journey into uncharted territory to play an intriguing regional game in Bathurst, The Reds are happy to be back in familiar surroundings for a match-up with Perth Glory. So, give your side a massive Hindmarsh reception and show them that home is where the heart is, by cheering them on to three vital points!
Before Wednesday’s game with Newcastle, United showed just what a fine side they are turning into under new boss John Kosmina by pushing champions-elect Central Coast Mariners to the very limit and almost coming away with a remarkable victory at Bluetongue Stadium.
While the game ultimately saw Kosmina experience his first defeat in his current reign, for a long while it seemed that United would be the side to finally crack Mariners’ unbeaten run.
After falling behind, the Reds showed amazing spirit – not to mention a whole lot of ability – to lead 2-1, but were undone by two late strikes in a five-goal thriller. Even then though, they had clear chances to grab a third and snatch at least a point – not least when Sergio Van Dijk’s effort seemed to defy physics by staying out rather than crossing the line after striking the inside of a post.
United’s opponents also displayed some fine attacking play last weekend with one of their performances of the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season. In what was a tricky-looking fixture against Melbourne Victory, they smashed three goals before half-time to secure the points amid a party atmosphere at nib Stadium. In the 4-1 win, Shane Smeltz once again proved himself to be a constant menace with a brace, and the United backline will have to be very wary of his presence on Sunday.
These two ladder rivals haven’t met since the opening weekend of the Hyundai A-League 2011/12 season. Back then, it was the West Australians that took the points at nib Stadium, thanks to a second-half goal from Irish import Billy Mehmet. In an evenly contested match, the Reds certainly put Perth under plenty of pressure, but a decent defensive display, coupled with the late winner, ensured the points remained with the home side.
Now it’s time for United to get their own back for that opening week defeat which set the tone for the start of their campaign.
After their jaunt to New South Wales, Adelaide United are back where they belong and eager to get one over the Glory.
Red Army, be there with them at Hindmarsh Stadium and create the kind of noise that you are famed for. There is so much still to play for in the Hyundai A -League 2011/12 season, so get on board now and stand United!
