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Adelaide United has snapped a five-game winless run with a vital 1-0 triumph over Brisbane Roar at Coopers Stadium on Sunday night.
Craig Goodwin’s first-half effort proved the difference in what was a close contest that ebbed and flowed throughout the 90 minutes.
James Delianov saved a penalty before half-time, his first in the A-League, to help secure a timely three points for United and climb into equal third on the table.
It was a frenetic start to the match with a lot of turnovers with both teams struggling to grab a foot hold of the game.
In the 23rd minute that changed slightly, as Goodwin opened the scoring following an incisive passing move after dispatching his angled finish across Jamie Young.
He played a pass into Kusini Yengi and his strong touch landed into the path of the 29-year-old to notch his sixth of the season and first in six games.
The goal settled Adelaide’s nerves and they began to enjoy longer spells of possession.
The Reds played with more fluidity in the final third and manufactured chances through Josh Cavallo, Ben Halloran and Yengi.
Brisbane were awarded a spot-kick when Ryan Kitto was adjudged to have blocked Joshua Brindell-South’s powerful effort with the back of his arm.
However, Delianov produced a spectacularly save to deny Joe Champness, keeping the lead intact.
As the first-half drew to a close, Yengi squandered a golden opportunity when he was bearing down on goal but could not place his attempt either side of Young.
After the interval, Adelaide started as the dominant side but could muster a second.
Carl Veart brought on Juande at the interval due to Joe Caletti on a booking.
Stefan Mauk was withdrawn after sustaining a knock while Javi López saw action for the first time since the end of March.
The Reds’ search for a sealer was in vain and they had to survive a few nervy moments in defence.
Delianov acrobatically saved a free-kick from Jay O’Shea five minutes from time.
However, for the most part Brisbane failed to create genuine openings as the Reds held on for a crucial victory to remain in the hunt for a top-two finish.
Team news
Carl Veart rung the changes for the match. Michael Jakobsen replaced George Timotheou, Ryan Strain returned from suspension, Ryan Kitto pushed Josh Cavallo into midfield with Louis D’Arrigo dropping out and Kusini Yengi started in place of the injured Tomi Juric.
Spaniards Javi López and Juande both returned from respective injuries via the bench.
Key moments
23’ | GOAL! Goodwin plays an inadvertent one-two with Yengi with his heavy touch falling favourably for the winger to arrow his strike into the far corner.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6254428315001
39’ | PENALTY SAVE! Delianov picks the correct way and repels Champness from the spot with a super stop.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6254432999001
Match details:
Sunday, 16 May 2021
A-League 2020/21 – Matchweek 21
Adelaide United 1 (Goodwin 23’)
Brisbane Roar 0
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Crowd: 6,723
