Hughes struck in each half with young striker Francesco Monterosso opening the scoring in the 28th minute before defender Scott Jamieson capped off the dominant display with a scorcher from 30 metres late on.

The Reds were without eight players for the match - defensive pair Robert Cornthwaite and Daniel Mullen, Brazilians Cassio and Cristiano, new signings Lloyd Owusu and Shin In Sup, and midfielders Paul Reid and Fabian Barbiero all missed the match.

On a chilly night, it took 18 minutes for the game to heat up, with the first chance created by Monterosso missing a golden opportunity as he failed to hit the target despite having time inside the six yard box.

The young striker had another chance with a header from a corner, but again he failed to test State keeper Ben Moore.

Persistent pressure and possession then paid off for United just before the half hour, when it was a case of third time lucky for Monterosso, who beat Moore with a precision finish after Kristian Sarkies' effort was deflected.

Four minutes later the Reds had a second, with Hughes heading home his first goal since joining the club after getting on the end of a pinpoint Travis Dodd cross.

Monterosso and Sarkies both forced fine saves from Moore just before the break, preventing further addition to the score sheet.

In the second half it wasn't until the 72nd minute for the Reds to add another, when Hughes was rewarded for his hard work in midfield when he managed to scramble the ball over the goal line after a cheeky chip from Monterosso into the six yard box.

Former Adelaide United midfielder Michael Matricianni looked the only real threat for the State Team, keeping Reds keeper Eugene Galekovic honest.

Jamieson finished the scoring with the pick of the goals five minutes from full time, the talented left back timing a thunderous strike from 30 metres as the ball rocketed into the top corner.

Galekovic ensured United secured a clean sheet just before the end, producing a fine low down save.

The Reds' next scheduled trial match is arguably their biggest test of the pre-season in a grand final rematch against Melbourne Victory in Launceston on July 26.

Adelaide United 4 (Monterosso 28', Hughes 32'/72', Jamieson 85')
SA State Team 0
@ Hindmarsh Stadium

Adelaide United line-up: 1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk), 3.ALEMAO, 4.Iain FYFE, 7.Lucas PANTELIS, 8.Kristian SARKIES, 10.Adam HUGHES, 13.Travis DODD, 14.Scott JAMIESON, 15.Francesco MONTEROSSO, 17.Michael MARRONE, 23.Joe COSTA.