Adelaide United captain Stefan Mauk says his side's brilliant 3-1 win over Melbourne Victory was aided immensely by the presence of homegrown players in the lineup, who know exactly what an Original Rivalry win means in the City of Churches.
Mauk turned the Matchweek 12 fixture between two bitter rivals on its head as the Reds surged past Victory - who claimed a 1-0 lead in the first half - thanks to a brace from Mauk on either side of a goal to fellow local product Kusini Yengi in the second half.
Adelaide showed guts, flair and an understanding of the occasion at Marvel Stadium, as the visiting side riled up the home fans after taking the lead, and consolidating it soon after on their way to a statement win on enemy soil.
MATCH REPORT: Melbourne Victory 1-3 Adelaide United
As the 16th season of the A-League rolls on, the kids who grew up idolising the competition's stars from the days gone by are now growing into their shoes; it's a trend which will only continue as the years pass and the league's history deepens.
Speaking post-match, Mauk says both he and Yengi were inspired by their experiences as bright-eyed kids draped in red watching Original Rivalries go down at Coopers Stadium, as the local pair played key roles in a statement win on the road.
"Being Adelaide boys, we all grew up going to the games," Mauk told FOX Sports post-match.
"You know the passion from being a fan as a young kid.
I remember walking the streets being separated by the police (between) the Victory fans and Adelaide fans.
"Now to be playing for the club, and same with Kusini and some of the other boys, it means a lot to us.
"We’re so grateful to have this opportunity to play for the club, I think everyone put in a great show for all the fans back at home."
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Yengi netted his first goal in Adelaide colours against Victory and assisted Mauk's second as he emerged off the bench for Carl Veart's side to great effect.
The 22-year-old showed strength and efficiency with direct attacking play in his second-half cameo, and in celebrating his 61st-minute goal to put Adelaide ahead Yengi showed exactly what a win against Victory would mean to him. The Reds youngster leapt over an advertising board, rushed to meet the home crowd and lapped up the abuse being hurled in his direction.
Yengi received a chorus of boos whenever he touched the ball from that moment on. But that did nothing to knock his confidence, backed by a sense of pride spurred by a challenge from his family and friends to savour the moment should he net against Adelaide's nemesis.
"It was an enjoyable moment for me, scoring my first goal for the club in the Original Rivalry, I enjoyed it a lot," Yengi told FOX Sports.
All my friends back home and family told me that if I scored against Victory I had to go and egg the fans on a bit, it was a good one.
"I just wanted to get in their face and stare them off a bit.
"I always went to watch the Original Rivalries back at home at Hindmarsh... It means a lot to me and the club."
Next Matches
Sydney FC v Melbourne Victory
Saturday, March 20 2021
Nestrata Jubilee Stadium
Kick-off: 7.10pm
Match Centre
Newcastle Jets v Adelaide United
Sunda, March 21 2021
McDonald Jones Stadium
Kick-off: 6.40pm AEDT
Match Centre
Local Reds use Original Rivalry memories as fuel to fire past Victory - Hyundai A-League
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