Adelaide United fell to a 1-3 defeat against Wellington Phoenix at Coopers Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Phoenix have been a renowned force away from home this season, and despite missing key forward Nathan Burns, substitute Tyler Boyd ensured their form continued.
He was the difference in the tie, coming off the bench to score a double for an away side that was sturdy throughout the match.
However, it was the Reds who started the brightest, finding space through wingers Sergio Cirio and Awer Mabil.
The young winger had the brightest chance of the first half, striking the post from a wrong-footed effort outside of the box.
But they were left ruing their missed chances when Kenny Cunningham made it 1-0 just after the restart.
This set up a pulsating second half, as shortly after the Reds were able to draw level through an Awer Mabil run and cross which fell to Cirio who snuck home.
The Reds were to only savour their lead for a matter of minutes, as substitute Tyler Boyd capitalised on a disorganized Reds defence by tucking a neat shot past Izzo.
In response to this, Gombau brought on the skillful young Bruce Kamau to add to the attacking presence of the Reds in search of an equaliser.
But it wasn’t to be as Boyd rounded out his side’s victory after capitalising on United’s high press for a corner, tucking neatly under Izzo.
Coach Josep Gombau was still pleased with the way his side played, but was left frustrated by the result.
“We did deserve the win because of the way that we played but we made mistakes that gave them their goals.
“This is football, and it was disappointing that we had to lose the last game of the year like this but we will regroup.”
Adelaide United Football Club would like to thank its fans and sponsors for its continued support this year, and we look forward to a massive 2015.
Match Details
Wednesday, 31 December 2014
Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Season – Round 13
Adelaide United 1
Wellington Phoenix 3
Venue: Coopers Stadium, Hindmarsh
Attendance: 10,060
Adelaide United: Marrone, McGowan, Pablo Sanchez, Isaias, Cirio, Djite (c), Watson (Kamau 82′), Goodwin, Mabil, Jeggo, Izzo
Wellington Phoenix: Moss, Muscat, Bonevacia (Bixall 90+2′), Cunningham (Boyd 71′), McGlinchey, Brockie (Gorrin 84′), Riera, Fenton, Lia, Sigmund, Durante (c)
Scorers: Cunningham (54′), Cirio (73′), Boyd (77′), Boyd (90+3′)
Red cards: Nil
Yellow cards: Bonevacia (52′), Fenton (62′), Riera (65′), Goodwin (66′), Muscat (75′), McGowan (80′)
