Adelaide United have snapped a three game losing streak, defeating Newcastle Jets thanks to goals from Hiroshi Ibusuki, Zac Clough and Ben Halloran – the latter thanks to a superb Nestory Irankunda assist.
United manager Carl Veart had rung the changes pre-game, recalling Ibusuki for his first start in over a month and pairing him for the first time with 18-year-old Luka Jovanovic.
The pair clicked immediately in a classic big man/little man style, with the pacy, direct dribbling of Jovanovic dovetailing well with the Japanese striker’s hold-up play. The Jets had no answer.
Newcastle coach Rob Stanton had no such joy with his attack. They had just one shot in the first half and, eventually, he yanked top scorer Apostolos Stamatelopoulos in disgust after dishing out a spray to his striker over a perceived lack of defensive effort.
The win also saw the revival of Irankunda, the Bayern-bound wunderkind, who came off the bench to help seal the game late on.
His driving run and smart pass for Halloran’s clincher were superb and reminded everyone in Coopers Stadium of his talents.
Only a late booking for diving blotted his copybook on what was marked return to form after being dropped from the starting side.
Adelaide has failed to score in their last two games, but looked likely from the off, Ibusuki opened the scoring, but his goal was all the work of Jovanovic.
The game’s standout player, the teenager broke down the left and cross for the towering striker to roll home.
United should have piled on the misery for Newcastle before half time but wasted multiple chances.
The Jets could have taken the lead before Ibusuki scored with Reno Piscopo wasting a presentable chance, but beyond that, they offered very little.
Their best period came directly after half time, with Clayton Taylor somehow bundling a cross wide at the near post and Phillip Cancar coming close from set piece.
Jovanovic then won a penalty that Clough converted to put the game beyond doubt before Irankunda and Halloran smartly combined to put gloss on the scoreline.
Newcastle did get a late consolation as another youngster, Justin Vidic, slotted beyond Joe Gauci in the United goal, but it was far too late to influence the result.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
and email from CEO Kaz this morning to announce the departure of Ross Aloisi to an overseas club, lifetime opportunity, effective immediately. Trani to serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
it's certainly not Zac, he's been pretty clear on RA's job. Agree with Ben Cahn as the succession plan.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
given Roar has been without two of three of their key attackers for the whole season, they're doing well.
Waz
Roar Rookie
I don’t believe Marcos article tbh But (apparently) he’s not picking who starts - someone else is BUT Ben Cahn takes over if.when he goes
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
I did just read that, but why do you say he’d like to pick who starts? I’d say the simple truth is that Muscat has asked him rather than he wants to move (unless you have some inside knowledge here Waz).
Waz
Roar Rookie
This is new: https://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/football/brisbane-roar-coach-ross-aloisi-may-link-with-kevin-muscat-at-chinese-super-league-club-shanghai-port/news-story/60d27bc4d70d2b09882934d31643b352 But leave Aloisi will. Frustration at working with a minimum budget got to him in preseason. Plus he’d like to pick who starts games.
Waz
Roar Rookie
I watched the game and thought Roar dominated - they had way more of the possession and the chances, and missed numerous chances to extend their lead. Mind you, I don’t think either side could argue with a draw nor the reality it could have been 2-1 either way with better finishing.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
I know there’ll be a present under the tree for me, don’t give me this conspiracy stuff, I’ve seen him, heaps of times. It’s the elves that I can’t cop, everyone knows all his stuff is made in China.
Waz
Roar Rookie
So let me get this straight …. You’re taking the word of Kaz & Zac because you still believe in Santa, right?
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
bet you told your kids the truth about Santa Claus too Waz. I’m taking the words from Kaz and Zac at face value.
Redcap
Roar Guru
Aldred being injured would explain a lot.
mrl
Roar Rookie
Go Adelaide!!!!
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Cheers Grem. Lots of pessimism among Roar fans.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Sydney have a couple of good ex Roar players, at no cost to them. My point on Roar management is that Roar want to make money out of them, only fair and I think only fair from an owners point of view. After all, they’re not here to help Australian football or to help some other club beat them. Many fans disagree with me, thinking that owners are there to support Australian football and lose lots of money in the process.
Garry
Roar Rookie
I think I missed that no goal decision but what I saw on replay I agree it should’ve been given. On that basis yes roar should’ve won BUT overall Sydney dominated and should’ve won but ..like the men :unhappy: ..are struggling to score atm. same thing happened late last week. :crying:
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Silverlake bought a major share in the A Leagues didn't they? They're an investment company but you'd think they'd have a bit to say. I think they're also invested in stadium construction and one of the companies expressing interest in the works for Brisbane Olympics. It's a complex web, hard to work these companies out, but I think they proposed a riverside stadium at Circular Quay (on Police HQ building land) rather than the proposed arena at Roma Street. My guess is they'll all be back on the table with the new premier's move to an independent body for Olympics works.
Grem
Roar Rookie
What happens when Adelaide play Sydney? The VAR and refs must be in a real quandary as to who to favour!
Grem
Roar Rookie
I love your support and optimism/realism.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
Bakries had a major share in Leicester, sold out just as they won the EPL title a few years back. Their primary club, if you like, is Persija Jakarta, one of Indonesia’s most successful clubs. It’s a different level, different standards but from all reports, the club is well run. Having lived in that part of the world, and a regular visitor (I speak bahasa) I was concerned that Indonesian management standards might be applied to Roar, and they were (eg. unpaid bills) but I believe that’s been turned around. I’m an optimist, I believe Roar has a bright future and will win a title within three years. Should add, I don’t think you can compare Bakries to CFG. The fact that Nirwan Bakrie called Kaz and Zac to Jakarta and spoke personally to them indicates their level of interest in the club. They both said Pak Bakrie spoke about Roar lovingly, as ‘my football club’. Certainly Fong was a bad manager, and I do wonder about the much-loved CEO we had, who disappeared very quickly without ado. Money was walking out the door, literally, Fong said.
Lionheart
Roar Rookie
You’re being too pessimistic Waz. They’ve been handed the keys to the Brendale facility and are working on the fitout. They’ve been unlucky with defenders they’ve signed, Corey Brown, Burke Gilroy, and Scott Neville is a key loss, leaving them without a specialist defender meaning Trewin moves and everyone shuffle around or players like Zabala, a bench player, steps in. They’ve signed some terrible attacking forwards in the past, taking a wage and spot on the squad but not taking the field. I’m not sure that Aldred is injured but regards O’Shea, he was asked about the strapping post match last week or so and said he was not injured. Marco reported two days ago they are looking to sign a Japanese forward in January. I’d much rather they take their time than buy another attacking dud. No one likes to lose matches, especially two in a row, but let’s not throw the toys out of the cot just yet.