‘We could have scored more’: Kurz reflects on Adelaide’s semi-final win

Adelaide United boss Marco Kurz praised the professionalism of his side but felt they should have had a far more comfortable win in their FFA Cup 2018 Semi-Final against Bentleigh Greens on Friday night.

The Reds advanced to their second straight FFA Cup decider thanks to a goal in each half from winger Ben Halloran and defender Jordan Elsey.

WRAP: Reds overpower Bentleigh to reach FFA Cup Final

LIVE BLOG: Re-live all the action from Adelaide's semi-final win

After a shaky start, Adelaide’s class shone through and it was only a mix of excellent keeping from Greens gloveman Ryan Scott and some wasteful finishing which kept the result in the balance until near the end.

"We are very happy. It was a very professional game from our side today and we are happy to reach the final again,” Kurz told Fox Sports after the match.

"The attitude and performance from the boys was very professional. I think we played good. The only mistake we did was not score enough goals.

“We could have scored a lot more goals. But it’s ok.

"It is not easy to play against an NPL team and Bentleigh is a very good team. They are very strong."

Halloran opened the scoring on 20 minutes after George Blackwood showed great skill to beat his man down the left and get to the byline, cutting it back for the Caltex Socceroos flyer to pounce.

It was early in the second half before Adelaide had their second after Isaias tried his luck from a free-kick just outside the box, with Scott only parrying the ball into the path of Elsey who slammed home the rebound.

Bentleigh did their best to find a way back into the match but Adelaide’s defence held firm, and they have yet to concede a goal in this year’s FFA Cup.

"The clean sheet is more important to me than scoring,” Elsey said.

“We work hard in training and we go into the final very confident having not conceded a goal.

The young defender added: "Being the A-League team, we expected to be the stronger side tonight.

“We are just looking forward to the final now."

And the Reds will play the winner of Saturday night’s second semi between Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney FC.