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Reds book home A-League final

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart has applauded his team’s grit after they came from a goal down to win 2-1 against Western United and secure a home final next Sunday.

May 09, 2022, updated May 09, 2022
Javi López of United celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates during last night's clash with Western United. Photo: Matt Turner/AAP

Javi López of United celebrates scoring the opening goal with his team mates during last night's clash with Western United. Photo: Matt Turner/AAP

The visitors struck first in the sixth minute of Sunday night’s match at Coopers Stadium through Dylan Wenzel Halls but Adelaide regrouped and hit back 10 minutes later via Javi Lopez before Ryan Kitto scored the winner on 51 minutes.

“They stuck at it and that’s five wins in a row,” said Veart after his team locked in fourth spot on the A-League Men ladder.

“Western are a good side and they really challenged us tonight so it made it very difficult for us.

“Full credit to the boys, they dug in because it’s important to get that home final.”

United are set to face Central Coast Mariners who sit in fifth spot, three points above sixth-ranked Wellington Phoenix who take on Melbourne City today, and with a far superior goal difference.

Like Adelaide, Central Coast has recorded five consecutive wins on its way to the finals and Veart is anticipating a thrilling encounter.

The Reds coach admitted he’ll likely face a selection headache next week with young gun Kusini Yengi starting and getting through 60 minutes in his first game back since mid-December.

Veart also welcomed back Zac Clough, who came off the bench and looked likely after a few weeks’ absence while Michael Jakobsen is fit and was also named in the match-day squad but didn’t feature.

“It’s going to be a great game next week – I suppose us, Central Coast and Melbourne Victory are the teams that have a little bit of form at the moment going into the finals,” he said.

“It’s important that you go into the finals with a full squad, a fit squad and we’re fortunate enough that we’ve got all of our players back and they’re all battling for that starting position in the eleven.”

 – AAP

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