Reds out to shock A-League leading Wanderers, says Craig Goodwin

ADELAIDE United’s finals credentials will be tested by Friday’s clash with the A-League leading Wanderers. But the Reds are confident of getting the job done, says winger Craig goodwin.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 26: Craig Goodwin of Adelaide United wins the ball during the round 12 A-League match between Adelaide United and the Wellington Phoenix at Coopers Stadium on December 26, 2015 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images)

ADELAIDE United’s mid-season revival will either roll on or be dealt a reality check on Friday night when the Reds travel to Sydney to take on the league-leading Wanderers.

Having notched three wins from its past four matches, United is back in touch with the A-League’s top six but its finals credentials will be seriously tested against Western Sydney.

Winger Craig Goodwin on Tuesday conceded that a draw would not be a bad result but said the Reds were going to Pirtek Stadium to win.

“They’re on a fantastic run at the top of the table but we’ve also had some good form of late,” Goodwin said.

“It’s going to be a tough game but hopefully we can go over to Western Sydney and pick up the three points.

“If we can continue this form there’s no reason why in the next few weeks we won’t be in the top six.”

The Reds are coming off a confidence-boosting 3-0 win over Wellington in Round 12 which suddenly has them back in contention after they took nine games to register their first victory this season.

“Getting the first win under the belt (gave us) a bit of confidence and it’s gone on from there,” Goodwin said.

“Overall we’re better in all areas at the moment; we’re defending well — and desperate defending — for instance (Dylan) McGowan makes a clearance off the line when it’s 1-0 and we go up the other end and score and make it 3-0 (last week).

“Key moments of the game we’re doing our roles and that’s definitely helped us.”

The Wanderers are two points clear on top of the table after their 2-0 win over Newcastle on Christmas Eve extended their unbeaten run to nine games.

“Defensively we have to be very switched on, they’ve got some good players in their front third but defensively they’re quite solid as well,” Goodwin said.

“We’re going to have to be on our game all over the park and going away you have to win the battle before you can play football so if we can win our one (versus) one individual battles then it will go a long way towards getting a result.”

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Originally published as Reds out to shock A-League leading Wanderers, says Craig Goodwin