A-League: Fans the cement at Adelaide United’s historic fortress

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart’s first-hand knowledge of why the Reds were so successful in their first season is a formula still close to his heart.

Adelaide United’s Tomi Juric takes on Melbourne City’s Curtis Good during the teams’ A-League clash at Coopers Stadium. Picture: Getty Images

Adelaide United coach Carl Veart’s first-hand knowledge of why the Reds were so successful in their first season 18 years ago is a formula still close to his heart.

Veart led the Reds to a home coaching debut 2-0 win over Melbourne City at Coopers Stadium, in front of more than 10,000 fans on Sunday night.

In 2003, he scored Adelaide’s very first goal – against Brisbane Strikers in the now-defunct National Soccer League – at what was then Hindmarsh Stadium in front of 16,500 vociferous fans.

“I just think Hindmarsh is like a fortress for Adelaide United, it has always been since day one,” Veart said. “I believe when the fans got right behind us in the second half that lifted and spurred us on and it was fantastic.

“I think the excitement that they brought and I said at half time we needed fans to be involved in the game.

“We needed to be more attacking, a bit more positive and bring the fans along with us.”

“Once they started to lift and support us, the players got a lift as well. We stepped our game up and took it to the next level and that’s how we got our goals.”

Veart said strong team culture was also a key to success.

“The camaraderie is very tight and there has always been a good atmosphere in the Adelaide United change rooms,’’ Veart said.

“They (Reds teams) have always been close groups and this group is no different. You can see a special bond starting to develop between the group.”

Veart was also pleased that Tomi Juric scored his first goal at Hindmarsh in a Reds shirt, before captain Stefan Mauk made it 2-0 in the second half.

“Tomi puts that pressure on himself, he knows where he wants to be again, he showed glimpses that he is the best striker Australia has,’’ Veart said.

“I truly believe his adaptability to play the way he does, he can play to feet and go in behind, he is strong and is a great finisher – he showed that with that set-piece (goal).”

Things went pear-shaped for City once captain Scott Jamieson was expelled for a second booking but the battle between Juric and the A-League’s reigning golden boot winner, Jamie Maclaren, was intriguing.

Maclaren threatened Reds keeper James Delianov twice.

Delianov’s first-class saves prompted Veart to claim the gloveman had all the attributes to become a Socceroos keeper, just like his former Adelaide City teammate Robert Zabica.

“Some of his (Delianov’s) saves were outstanding,’’ Veart said. “Someone else said to me that he (Delianov) looks a little bit Zabi (Zabica).

“He is strong in the air and when he comes out he has a really strong punch and he is very comfortable with the ball.”

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