George Blackwood’s first-half strike gave Adelaide United only their second win in their last six games, and redeemed them after their 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Melbourne City.
Wellington missed the opportunity to jump off the bottom of the ladder after losing and could now drop as far as four points behind Central Coast Mariners.
Final score
Wellington Phoenix 0
Adelaide United 1
Things are looking more hopeful across the ditch after the Wellington Phoenix took a confidence boost victory last week. They host Adelaide United who are winless in three matches. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 5:35pm (AEDT).
Individual mistakes and burnt out youngsters convoluted to Adelaide suffering a crunching loss away to Melbourne City last week where they were humbled 5-0.
Although some thought they didn’t deserve to lose so heavily, conceding three goals in seven minutes, no matter how spectacular, is unforgivable. Adelaide’s lack of serious consistency dropped them to fifth in the ladder.
Wellington, meanwhile, edged closer to leaping off the bottom of the table with a stunning victory over second-placed title hopefuls the Newcastle Jets. They take enormous confidence into this match as they head back home.
New recruits Nathan Burns and Matija Lujic seem to be snug fits into coach Darije Kalezic’s plans with three and two contributions respectively.
All of Adelaide United’s Olyroos in George Blackwood, Ben Garuccio and Paul Izzo returned to the first team last week and can be expected to start rather than occupy the bench.
Adelaide captain Isaiah Sanchez will miss the match due to a yellow card suspension after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season last week.
The only player to play every single minute this season, Goran Paracki returns from suspension to jump into the Wellington midfield. Meanwhile full back Dylan Fox is in a race to be fit amidst a hamstring issue. Substitute striker Hamish Watson is unavailable due to having his contract mutually terminated by the club.
Wellington were extremely dangerous out wide against Newcastle as Nathan Burns pulled the strings against the fullbacks, taking players on and setting up Roy Krishna’s goal. However through Matija Lujic, Wellington have a serious attacking threat going through the middle of the park which will be pivotal as Isaias is missing.
Isaias has been Adelaide’s best player this season and his absence may throw the result out the window for The Reds if they can’t handle what i’d expect as the exploitation of their young, inexperienced three-man midfield.
However, Marco Kurz seems to know how to get his team out of sticky situations.
Prediction
Wellington to jump off the bottom of the table.
Wellington 2 – Adelaide 1.
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FULL-TIME George Blackwood's first half strike gives Adelaide United only their second win in their last six games and redeemed themselves after their 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Melbourne City. Wellington missed the opportunity to jump off the bottom of the ladder after losing and could now drop as far as four points behind Central Coast Mariners. WELLINGTON PHOENIX 0-1 ADELAIDE UNITED 32' G. Blackwood
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4 MINUTES OF ADDED TIME
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A deflected cross from Doyle finds it's way looping in the air to Alex Rufer who has time to wind up and crack a shot that i believe Izzo got a finger tip to nudge it onto the cross bar!!!
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McGlinchey stings the palms of Izzo from 25 metres out.
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ADELAIDE UNITED SUBSTITUTION OFF: SCOTT GALLOWAY ON: ALEX RUFER
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Blackwood embarks on a solo run but is forced wide which allows Italiano to make a routine save at the near post.
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ADELAIDE UNITED SUBSTITUTION OFF: NIKOLA MILEUSNIC ON: MARK OCHIENG
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Durante picks up a booking for a strong challenge on O'Doherty.
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Garruccio swings the corner in but Gulum's header was inches wide
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Mileusnic does well to wriggle away from Singh as he speeds away to the byline but there is no support. The winger slams a shot that stings Italiano's palms.
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Mileusnic is fouled by Doyle in a dangerous area. Garuccio stands over the set-piece but his effort from 25-metres curls past the near-post
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Burns tries to wriggle his way into the penalty box, but Elsey is aware of the danger and makes a smart challenge.
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Ridenton's cross almost catches Izzo out as it kisses the crossbar.
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Matija Lujic's free-kick almost catches Izzo off guard as he swings it to the near post but it goes over the bar. The initiative shifting over to Wellington now!
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WELLINGTON PHOENIX SUBSTITUTION ON: SARPREET SINGH OFF: ANDRIJA KALUDJEROVIC
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Mileusnic has a go from distance as Adelaide remain on top here!
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Blackwood with some great hold up play on the left as he feeds O'Doherty on the byline. His return is scuffed off his foot as he swings too late. Golden opportunity
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Nathan Burns earns Wellington PhoenixFC their first corner of the second half, but the ball is cleared by a strong Blackwood header.
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BACK UNDERWAY FOR THE SECOND HALF
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HALF-TIME 1-0 George Blackwood has Adelaide in the lead.