Adelaide United’s PlayStation 4 National Premier League South Australia form slump continued with a 2-1 loss to Campbelltown City on Saturday.

A first half double from Tom Strain was enough for the three points, but a Dylan Smith goal and a second half resurgence from the young United side made it no walk in the park.

United are now without a win in their last three matches, but an improved performance against quality opposition has lifted spirits, according to Riley McGree.

“Yes it has [helped with confidence], the more scoring opportunities we create increases the chance of putting one in the net and getting a good result.

“I think we worked hard and played well defensively as a team, we managed to limit the amount of chances Campbelltown created.

“We also did well in attack but just couldn’t convert our opportunities.”

Lui Ditroia was pleased to come away with the three points in a game which proved to be both physical and end to end.

“We thought we controlled the game very well in the first half and did what we had to do in order to get on top.

“We were able to create a handful of opportunities and Tommy [Strain] converted two, which put us in a comfortable position.”

Campbelltown remain breathing down the necks of top side Adelaide City, the Red Devils only two points of the pace.

Ditroia said Campbelltown couldn’t lose focus as a tight top four would punish them the minute they slipped up.

“To a degree, yes it does give us extra incentive to continue to put pressure on Adelaide City for that top spot,” he said.

“Birkalla are only two points behind us now though which is another reason to continue, however we don’t need to worry about opposition or the table at the moment.

“If we concentrate on ourselves and implement our plan and structures we know we will pick up points and the table will show.”

The match opened with plenty of back and forth action as both sides attacked with intent.

Smith and Blake Carpenter linked up well on the left for the home side, while Ditroia and Anthony Ture caused headaches on both wings.

There was chances a plenty in the opening minutes, but a high defensive line and pressing from the Red Devils saw the intensity rise as United struggled to get the point out of their own half.

Strain opened the scoring on 33 minutes after Ture picked him out in the box with a peach of a ball, leaving the striker with the easy finish.

Six minutes later, Strain would have his second with a quality finish with the outside of his boot into the far post.

United came out with purpose in the second half, seeing plenty of chances from the whistle.

Marck Ochieng made his presence felt with his pace causing trouble for the City back four.

The winger would kickstart the passage of play for his sides goal, intercepting a poor pass in his own half and playing out to Smith who finished at the far post.

United saw plenty of chances to grab the equalizer, but lacked the finishing touches as a precious point slipped through their hands. 

Written by Brendan Simpkins - @RealSimpkins