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Adelaide United overpowered Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium tonight, winning 3-1 thanks to a strong second half performance.
REPORT: SURGING UNITED TOP MARINERS
The first half ended 0-0 despite two penalties to either side, both Marcelo Carrusca and Fabio Ferreira missing from the spot kick.
Adelaide were dominant throughout the match, and scored the first goal through Craig Goodwin. The winger was one of the best players on the park tonight, and finished off a great cross from Pablo Sanchez to give the Reds the lead on the hour mark.
However, Ferreira equalised just 7 minutes later with a composed finish through the legs of Tarek Elrich and just inside the far post.
But despite drawing level, the Mariners couldn’t hold out the match, falling apart in the middle of the pitch to allow two more goals in the final 20 minutes. Sanchez scored in the 81st minute, and substitute Mate Dugandzic got a tap from Craig Goodwin in stoppage time.
Final Score: ADL 3-1 CCM
Adelaide United are full of confidence heading into Round 15, though they come up against a tricky Central Coast Mariners who are also finding some form despite sitting last on the ladder. Join The Roar from 7:30pm AEDT for live scores and coverage.
The Mariners followed their impressive 3-1 win against Wellington with a well fought 3-3 draw against reigning champions Melbourne Victory last week. If not for their leaky defence and inability to last a full 90 minutes, the Mariners would have walked away from Melbourne with 3 points.
Tony Walmsley’s men played the perfect first half in Geelong. They defended well, pressing Victory high when the ball crossed into their half, and then utilised the pace of Mitch Austin, Josh Bingham and Fabio Ferreira on the counter.
However, with such a high pressing game, they were almost certain to tire. And after 70 minutes, Victory started to dominate and looked the far better side.
If Central Coast are going to get anything out of their match against Adelaide, they will need a different game plan.
Adelaide United enjoy sitting with the ball and making the opposition work. And with Osama Malik returning for the Reds, their defensive line will be much better off against the pace that the Mariners has to offer.
The only question is if Adelaide can score. They’ve had some dour results this year due to a lack of potency in attack, though with Eli Babalj back to full fitness, the competition for spots is fierce and Guillero Amor won’t accept inefficiency in front of goal.
For Adelaide United to overcome the Mariners tonight, Craig Goodwin will be key up against Storm Roux. If Goodwin is on his game, Adelaide should penetrate the Mariners unstable defence numorous times.
For Central Coast, Bingham and Austin will need to be on their game, along with Jake McGing and Harry Ascroft in defence.
Prediction: Adelaide to overpower the Mariners 3-1
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