Adelaide United bolter Toure's dream come true in FFA Cup

Three FFA Cup goals in two matches has seen teenage striker Al Hassan Toure emerge from nowhere to become the story of Adelaide United’s pre-season.

After marking his professional debut with a goal after just 12 minutes, the 19-year-old Reds striker sent Adelaide through to the Quarter Finals with a double against Olympic in the Round of 16.

He had signed a scholarship contract with Gertjan Verbeek’s side the day before.

“I’ve been working hard throughout the years to get this. It’s been my dream to play for United since I was a little kid and it’s a dream come true,” he told the club website.

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Toure’s rise into first team football has even taken Reds boss Verbeek by surprise.

Verbeek’s eyebrows were raised after he watched the Guinean-Australian score a stunning goal against Campbelltown City in the NPL South Australia, and after training with the first team, the ex-Eredivisie man threw the teenager in at the deep end in the club’s Round of 32 clash against Melbourne Knights.

“It was a bit nerve wracking to be honest,” Toure said when he learned of his maiden start in professional football.

“I had a chat with my family and I told them that I would be playing and they were all excited, calling uncles and aunties from back home and speaking to the grandma – everyone was a bit excited.

 “Walking on the pitch with the players that I’ve been looking up to for years and just joining them, playing the game."

The vibe's great on the coast

He might be new to Gosford but Dylan Fox can already sense a different atmosphere at Central Coast Mariners.

Former Wellington Phoenix defender Fox enjoyed an 120-minute debut in the team’s epic penalty shoot out victory over Brisbane Roar in the FFA Cup 2019 Round of 16.

INS AND OUTS: Central Coast Mariners

That win has only furthered the feeling of positivity among Alen Stajcic’s playing group, as the Mariners look to lift themselves out of the Hyundai A-League cellar, having finished rock-bottom for two consecutive campaigns.

“There's a good feeling among the club. The vibe's been really good since I've been here,” Fox said.

“Everyone's fitting in perfectly - I've only been here two weeks, but I feel at home already, and I'm sure the other boys are feeling the same.