Adelaide United coach Josep Gombau is welcoming the eight-day break ahead of the Reds next match against Central Coast Mariners in Gosford on Sunday following three games in eight days.

United’s hectic schedule – aided by the fact that all three matches were at Coopers Stadium – culminated with Saturday’s last gasp 2-1 victory against Wellington Phoenix, and also included a 3-2 FFA Cup semi-final win over the Mariners on Wednesday and 0-0 against Sydney FC.

Gombau said the rest would give him opportunity to assess his squad with midfielder Cameron Watson potentially available after a lengthy spell on the sidelines while striker Bruce Djite probably won’t make the trip.

The Reds had a scare in the final 20 minutes when star playmaker Marcelo Carrusca was substituted with an ankle injury, but Gombau said the Argentine should line up against the Mariners.

“Now we have a long week which for us will be good,” Gombau said.

“Until Sunday, we can rest, we can recover players.

“Watson is close to be ready, Djite maybe in 10 days. If we have everybody (fit) it’s better for us.

“(With Carrusca) It’s an ankle problem … it’s not so serious, it’s just that he feel (it) and after that we don’t want to take the risk.”

The Reds are now in second spot, one point behind league leader Perth Glory following Saturday’s dramatic win.

Wellington’s Roly Bonevacia gave Phoenix a 15th minute lead after a swift counter attack before Nigel Boogaard powered in a header from a Craig Goodwin corner on 37 minutes.

And it was United’s goal machine Sergio Cirio who bundled home a 94th minute winner after Dylan McGowan’s rose highest and nodded the ball into the path of the little Spaniard.

Eyebrows were raised when McGowan, a defender, was brought on to replace Pablo Sanchez and play as the Reds main striker.

Gombau denied his roll of the dice was a stroke of genius, rather a tactic that has been employed many times at world powerhouse Barcelona where he studied his trade.

“No, no. In the end it’s for the team. They trust, they want to do it (win), they work hard until the end – I am in the bench I cannot play,” Gombau said.

“It’s not the player, it’s the concept.

“We put the balls in (the box) and we try to head. I said to McGowan this is your job, you need to do this, come on.”

Along with Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory, who are two points behind United and share third spot, the Reds remain undefeated with four wins and two draws from their six starts.

But, Gombau isn’t getting too carried away and implored his troops to continue treating each game on its own merits and not rest on their current form.

“Honestly, I go week-by-week,” Gombau said.

“Now, next week Central Coast, this (nothing else). We’ll go game-by-game, every game like a final.”

Saturday November 15
Adelaide United 2 (Boogaard 37’, Cirio 90+4’)
Wellington Phoenix (Bonevacia (15)
9,726 @ Coopers Stadium