A masterclass in the first half from Chelsie Dawber guided Adelaide United to a 4-2 win against Perth Glory on Saturday.
The Reds needed someone to step up and grab this game by the scruff of the neck and deliver a much-needed second win.
And Dawber delivered.
The Reds have scored in every game this season, however, it has still been a slow start to the season for them offensively.
The Reds have struggled to find quality passes in the final third and therefore have starved their forwards from being able to put up match-winning scorelines.
A change was needed up front and Dawber was that change.
Adelaide manager Adrian Stenta shifted Dawber, who had been playing as a winger this season, into a more central position in the first half and it paid dividends immediately.
“We made the change to try and exploit what we thought our opposition was going to do. And to just provide a little bit more support for Fiona upfront, who has been a little bit isolated at times,” Stenta said.
And exploit it she did as Dawber had a brace before the break.
However it was not all sunshine and roses for United as Perth were able to strike back and level the score at 2-2, an all too familiar theme for Stenta’s team this season.
“We need to be more ruthless in the way that we defend as we can’t keep conceding multiple goals in every game we play,” Stenta said.
“I do think we are still giving away goals through some of our own decision making and poor challenges or moments on the ball, but it’s definitely an area of focus for us and something really need to tighten up.”
One way towards being more ruthless was the inclusion of Dylan Holmes, who made her season debut.
“She’s a really dynamic player, extremely good quality on the ball, a good leader and just brings a lot to our change room off the field as well,” Stenta said on Holmes.
Holmes has returned to United after her stint atSwedish side BK Häcken, a huge inclusion for this Reds side.
Featured image credit: Jordan Trombetta
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