Adelaide United earned three points at home over Wellington Phoenix, with Craig Goodwin running the show in attack for the Reds.
REPORT: REDS ROUTE 10-MAN PHOENIX
The first half was even, and it took a fantastic piece of skill from Goodwin to break the deadlock, forcing an own goal following a strong run into the box from the left-footed winger. He hit the ball low and hard into the area, and Manny Muscat could do nothing as it hit him and went into his net.
The match was spoiled early in the second half when Albert Riera received a second yellow for a very soft foul.
Wellington couldn’t maintain the pressure and attacking competency that they showed in the first half, allowing Adelaide to run away with the match.
Michael Marrone and Goodwin both scored second-half goals to give the Reds a comfortable 3-0 win.
Final score
Adelaide United 3
Wellington Phoenix 0
Adelaide United host a tricky Wellington Phoenix at Hindmarsh Stadium for their boxing day clash, with both teams in need of some consistent form heading into the second half of the season. Join The Roar from 5:15pm for live scores and Coverage.
Wellington Phoenix have just one win from their past five matches, with their opponents on a season-high four match unbeaten streak. Both teams are placed midway down the ladder, and both will be desperate for the win this weekend to keep the dreams of a top six finish within reach.
Wellington held Sydney FC to a 1-1 draw last week, though it wasn’t until the 90th minute that Roy Krishna fired home, and he could only do so from the penalty spot. It was a controversial result, but one that Ernie Merrick was delighted with.
Heading into the back end of the season, Wellington have struggled to live up to their potential. With creative guns Michael McGlinchey and Roly Bonevacia, the real struggle has been converting this into goals.
However, Adelaide United are one team they know how to score against. In Round 6 these two sides met, with Wellington coming out on top 4-2. Bonevacia was at the double, with Roy Krishna and Matthew Ridenton firing home as well.
Adelaide struggled for the first eight rounds, but look to have finally found their rhythm. A 0-0 draw with Newcastle last week has stretched their unbeaten streak to three games, and they’ll fancy their chances of going one better against a struggling Wellington side at home.
The only problem they will have is putting away their chances. With Bruce Djite and Eli Babalj both fit and desperate for a starting berth, Pablo Sanchez, Sergio Cirio and Craig Goodwin all need to start performing in the final third if they want to keep their place.
Prediction: Adelaide to win in a game with many goals. 3-2
Mister Football
Roar Guru
Over 11k at Hindmarsh today, very healthy crowd.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Full Time - Adelaide United earn the three points at home to Wellington Phoenix, with Craig Goodwin running the show in attack for the Reds. The first half was extremely even, and it took a fantastic piece of skill from Craig Goodwin to break the deadlock, forcing the own goal following a strong run into the box from the left footed winger. He hit the ball low and hard into the area, and Manny Muscat could do nothing as it hit him and went into his net. The match was spoilt early in the second half when Albert Riera received a second yellow for a very soft foul. Wellington couldn't maintain the pressure and attacking competency that they showed in the first half, allowing Adelaide to run away with the match. Michael Marrone and Craig Goodwin both scored second half goals to give the Reds a comfortable 3-0 win. Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90+2 - Appaih loses the ball again down the right. Not the performance that Merrick would want from his substitutes Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90' - Sanchez beat one player on the edge of the area, then took the ball toward the left, firing a shot back across goal where he should've at least hit the target. The ball trickles out for a goal kick. Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
89' - Marrone Chance! Barges his way through the penalty box, firing a shot and getting the rebound back, but he couldn't find the right option with some good defending from Durante. Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
88' - Wellington closing out the match with dignity. Strong in possession, able to keep the ball for decent periods and pushing for a goal despite the chances of earning anything from this match. Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
86' - Chance Wellington! Powell puts a great ball in front of Appiah, who couldn't get there in time. Krishna was arriving late at the back, and hit the ball into the side netting. He went down in pain and is receiving treatment on his hand. Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
84' - George Mells on for Isaias. The Spainard hasn't been great today. Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
82' - Phoenix have been overrun since the sending off. Good display from Adelaide to close out the match and earn the three points. Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
80' - Moss saves a tricky Isaias shot from range. Was headed for the bottom left corner. Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
78' - Another chance Goodwin! Man of the Match tonight. Carrusca provided a great cross to Goodwin on the penalty spot, who volleyed just wide. Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
Stevo
Roar Rookie
Hmmm, it's the Graig Goodwin show out there. Feel a bit for the Nux tho.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
76' - GOAL ADELAIDE! Sanchez plays Goodwin on the counter, who cuts in again and fires another great shot, this time hitting the post. the ball fell to Sanchez, who also hit the post before Marrone finally finished for Unite'd's third. Adelaide United 3-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
76' - Fantastic work Jeggo to dispossess Lia down the right wing, and then carry the ball up the field before sparking a counter finding Sanchez further up the field. Adelaide United 2-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
75' - GOAL GOODWIN! Great goal from Goodwin, driving in from the right wing and finding spac eon his left foot to strike low and hard. It was fairly straight at Moss, but the Goalkeeper fumbled it into the goal. Bad error, but credit again to Goodwin for creating something from nothing. Adelaide United 2-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
74' - Wellington sitting in possession and still doing well to control the ball and tempo. Appiah loses the ball up against Elrich, but the Socceroo clears long allowing Wellington to rebuild. Adelaide United 1-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
72' - Phoenix outsmart Elrich and Elsey down the right. Krishna gets to the b-line courtesy of a McGlinchey improvisation and fires a cross low and hard into the box, but no one waiting for Nix. Adelaide United 1-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
70' - Elrich offside following an advantage played for Adelaide as Durante crushed Sanchez. No advantage for Adelaide though in the offside. Adelaide United 1-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
68' - Appiah on for Sarpong, and Sanchez on for Djite. Adelaide United 1-0 Wellington Phoenix
James Anderson
Roar Guru
66' - Wellington rushing when on the ball. It works when you've got 11 men, but with 10 you need to slow the game down and try and play around the numbers. Adelaide United 1-0 Wellington Phoenix