A WIN is a win, and sometimes the outcome is more important than the process, as was the case at Hindmarsh on Friday night.

Three crucial points at a crucial juncture in the season should restore some confidence. It has earned the Reds a bit of valuable breathing space and kept them in touch with the main contenders for honours this season.

They have three tough games ahead of them, including what is always a difficult trip to Wellington next weekend.

By the turn of the first round (nine matches) you ideally want to be there or thereabouts and not having to count catch-up points from a coaching perspective. To make finals you need to budget for at least a point-and-a-half per game. So while Adelaide is still a bit behind at present, life would be much more difficult if points had been dropped against the Gold Coast.

I mentioned last week that players win games more than tactics do and that was certainly the case on Friday.

Iain Ramsay at the pointy end and Eugene Galekovic at the rear made it a good night under a glorious Remembrance Day full moon on the hallowed Hindmarsh turf. After a rather forgettable first half, I was ready to award the Player of the Evening to the bugler who sounded the Last Post before the game.

But both sides made a game of it after the break and Ramsay did more than enough to warrant consistent selection.

He makes things happen with honest endeavour and a bit of creativity and deserves to be given time.

Injuries gave Pancho Usucar his first start of the season in holding midfield and he made a difference - he worked hard, a quality lacking in this area in previous weeks and made it easier for his central defenders to do their jobs. Nigel Boogard made his debut as well and showed why Rini Coolen was sweating on his return.

He added some much-needed stability to the back four. His covering work was good, especially in the second half, and he was comfortable on the ball.

There are still some issues though, with cohesion at the top of midfield. Before his injury, Serg van Dyke spent too much time with his back to goal, away from where he's most effective. Bruce Djite was out of sorts and Dario Vidosic isn't really having enough impact as a creative midfielder.

Don't forget to listen to me and Dom Rinaldo this afternoon on the new FIVEaa Soccer Show between 3pm and 4pm. Give us a call, email, Tweet or text. Marcos Flores will be our special guest.