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Central Coast vs Adelaide United highlights: Reds in third after 3-2 win

14th February, 2016
Kick-off: 3pm (AEDT)
Venue: Bluetongue Stadium.
Referee: Jarred Gillet
Last meeting: Adelaide 3-1 Mariners.
Head-to-head: Mariners 16, Adelaide 11, Drawn 6.
Betting: Central Coast $4, Adelaide $1.75, draw $4
TV: Live, Fox Sports 505

Central Coast Mariners
1.Paul IZZO (gk), 2.Storm ROUX, 3.Josh ROSE, 4.Jacob POSCOLIERO, 6.Mitch AUSTIN, 7.Fabio FERREIRA, 8.Nick MONTGOMERY (c), 10.Luis GARCIA, 12.Trent BUHAGIAR, 13.Alastair BRAY (gk), 15.Brad McDONALD, 16.Liam ROSE, 17.Francesco STELLA, 19.Josh BINGHAM, 21.Michael NEILL, 22.Jake McGING, 23.Tomislav USKOK, 28.Matthew FLETCHER
*Two to be omitted

Adelaide United
1.Eugene GALEKOVIC (gk) (c), 2.Michael MARRONE, 4.Dylan McGOWAN, 6.Stefan MAUK, 7.PABLO SANCHEZ, 8.ISAIAS, 9.Sergio CIRIO, 10.Marcelo CARRUSCA, 11.Bruce DJITE, 14.George MELLS, 15.Ben Warland, 16.Craig GOODWIN, 17.Mate DUGANDZIC, 20.John HALL (gk), 23.Jordan ELSEY, 24.Bruce KAMAU
*One to be omitted
Adelaide United struggled in the Asian Champions League this season. (AAP Image/Mick Tsikas)
Roar Guru
14th February, 2016
58
1903 Reads

Match result:

Adelaide United have come out on top against a valiant Mariners outfit in what was quite an entertaining end to the round.

REPORTS: REDS STAY ON A ROLL WITH 3-2 WIN

The match started in quite a spiteful fashion with the players giving referee Jarred Gillet lots to do early in the match, having to issue a number of yellow cards in the opening few minutes.

Both sides had a number of half chances, however neither side was able to break through until Fabio Ferreira converted the opening goal against his former side, breaking through one-on-one and finishing it off, giving the Mariners the lead.

The Mariners players then lifted after the opening goal. The explosive pace and energy of wingers Mitch Austin and Ferreira caused all sorts of problems for the Adelaide defenders.

It was all smiles for the Mariners heading into the break, however it was Adelaide United who came out the better side in the second half, flexing their muscle as they began to take control of the match.

The Reds were rewarded for their persistence up front with Isaias equalising from the set piece, curling one home in what was Adelaide’s first goal from a set piece this season.

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Adelaide then continued to press and were controversially rewarded the lead as Bruce Djite pounced to guide the ball into the back of the net from an offside position.

The tone of the match then shifted as the Mariners began to take advantage of Adelaide’s fatigue as they began to press and put the Reds on the back foot.

However it just wasn’t meant to be for the Mariners as substitute Stefan Mauk sealed the deal, putting away his first goal in his new colours after a fantastic assist from Craig Goodwin in stoppage time.

There was more late drama to come, as substitute Josh Bingham slotted home the fifth goal of the match, giving the Mariners a brief glimmer of hope and scoring the 23rd goal of the round.

However, it was a case of too little too late for the Mariners, who despite putting in a valiant performance were simply outclassed by their opponents.

The win catapults Adelaide United into third position on the table ahead of their blockbuster clash with the Melbourne Victory on Friday night. The Mariners meanwhile also travel to Melbourne where they will face Melbourne City.

Final score
Central Coast Mariners 2
Adelaide United 3

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Match preview:

Adelaide United will hope to extend their ten-game unbeaten run when they travel to Gosford to face the Central Coast Mariners. Join The Roar from 7pm (AEDT) for live scores and commentary.

It was a night to forget last time out for the Central Coast, falling victim to a masterclass at the hands of the Brisbane Roar, who put four goals past a lacklustre Mariners outfit.

The Mariners fans have not had many reasons to cheer this season. Having only won three games, they currently sit at the bottom of the table, 15 points adrift of the top six. Making the finals may be little more than a dream, but claiming a win against red-hot Adelaide remains a possibility.

United have had two arduous games in as many outings, playing out a thrilling draw against Sydney last Friday night before going down to Shandong Lueng in their Asian Champions League qualifier.

The Reds have rejuvenated their season after poor performances earlier in the year. The flair and excitement have returned, and they are demanding the respect of their rivals with finals time approaching.

History favours Adelaide in this fixture, with the Mariners only managing one win in their last five encounters. However, given that Adelaide has endured two very difficult matches recently, the Mariners could cause an upset and send a message that they will not go down without a fight.

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Central Coast have made three inclusions to the side that lost to the Roar last week. Mitch Austin returns from injury, while Trent Buhalgiar and Francesco Stella make their way into the first team. Defender Harry Ascroft will sit this one out as he serves a one-match ban.

Mariners manager Tony Walmsley confirmed former Liverpool star Luis Garcia will start for the first time this season. Garcia has made three appearances for the Mariners, scoring one goal and providing one scrumptious through ball which led to a goal.

Garcia’s presence will lift the spirit of the young Mariners, and provide a bit of stability and class in midfield.

In Adelaide team news, Guillermo Amor has insisted on blooding young talent; Ben Warland and Bruce Kamau both return to the first team while Ruon Tongyik has been included in what may be his A-League debut.

Iacopo La Rocca and Tarek Elrich will miss the match after picking up suspensions in a fiery encounter last Friday night, which will test Adelaide’s depth.

After a humiliating loss last week, the Mariners have a point to prove, and what better way to do so than against the competition’s form team?

Prediction
Adelaide to outclass a valiant Mariners side, 2-1.

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Can Adelaide United get back to winning ways after a tough few games? Or will the Central Coast Mariners cause an upset in front of a home crowd? Join The Roar from 7pm (AEDT).

Note: This game was originally scheduled for 3pm AEDT but was moved to 7pm AEDT due to heat.

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