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
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
Thanks for the call, James. A dominant display by Adelaide. It sets up an interesting clash next week in Brisbane.
James Anderson
Roar Guru
Full Time - Adelaide United overpowered Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium tonight, winning 3-1 thanks to a strong second half performance from the Reds. The first half ended 0-0 despite two penalties to either side, both Carrusca and 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 Sanchez to give the Reds the lead on the hour mark. However, Fabio 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, CCM couldn't hold out the match, falling apart in the middle of the pitch to allow two more goals in the final 20 minutes. Pablo 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
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90+2' - Dugandzic seals it for Adelaide! Fantastic run from Goodwin to get the ball on the wing and drive it into the box. Dugandzic had the composure to finish inside the box. ADL 3-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
90' - Central Coast have four minutes of stoppage time to find an equaliser. That's more than enough as they attack down the right through Ferreira. ADL 2-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
89' - George Mells on for Jimmy Jeggo. Great game from Jeggo ADL 2-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
88' - Goodwin and Elrich link well. They've been running rings around their defenders all afternoon down that left channel. Carrusca comes to help out, but looks for the flag to waste time. Poor tactics as he is quickly dispossessed. ADL 2-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
87' - Stella links well with Montgomery to earn a corner. Carrusca and Dugandzic defend the short corner well and earn a freekick when breaking away. ADL 2-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
86' - Not long for Central Coast to get back into the match. Liam Rose wins a battle in midfield, then plays a good ball out wide to spark an attack. That's what they need. ADL 2-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
84' - Sanchez makes way for Dugandzic. I agree with that change.The Spainard has been good tonight, but despite scoring, Goodwin has played better. ADL 2-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
82' - Neill fouls Babalj, who made a great run down the right forcing Neill to backtrack and make the foul just outside the box. Carrusca can't find the right pass into the box. ADL 2-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
81' - Goal Adelaide! Pablo Sanchez makes a near post run following a corner, and flicks the ball to the far post. It beats everyone and hits the back of the net! ADL 1-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
80' - Babalj lets a great cross from Marrone whiz right by him. Didn't gamble on it making it to him. ADL 1-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
79' - Carrusca plays the one-two with Elrich, but the Argentine's return wasn't good enough. They have been lacking any quality in the box tonight, though Babalj looks sharp with the touches he has had. ADL 1-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
78' - Carrusca fires a venomous shot from just outside the area, but it was always rising. ADL 1-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
76' - Credit to Tony Walmsely for making that change at half time. Mariners have looked on par with Adelaide for the majority of this match, and have looked more comfortable in defence with McGing back there. Uskok has also done well. ADL 1-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
74' - Sanchez found the run of Babalj, but somehow McGing gets a touch. Again great defending. ADL 1-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
72' - Bray has made some great interceptions tonight. Comes off his line to header the ball away from Babalj, and then again puts his body on the line to collect following an Adelaide break. ADL 1-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
71' - Eli Babalj on for Djite, who stretches his scoreless streak to 21 games. ADL 1-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
70' - Stella loses the ball down the right. The Reds build from the back, but CCM are pressing very high now - they've found some life. ADL 1-1 CCM
James Anderson
Roar Guru
69' - Adelaide have only themselves to blame there. A lazy short corner was turned over to allow the break down the middle. ADL 1-1 CCM