As Adelaide United take on Central Coast Mariners on Boxing Day, let us revisit four unforgettable triumphs.
4-2 win – 27/03/16 @ Coopers Stadium
Adelaide were winless in their previous two games following an unprecedented 14-match unbeaten streak. Therefore, Guillermo Amor’s side were determined to return to winning ways three rounds from the end of the regular season, coupled with the ambition of clinching the minor premiership. Roy O’Donovan’s opener was soon cancelled out by a dipping strike by Isaías, before Stefan Mauk scored a brilliant solo effort to overturn the deficit within 35 minutes.
Bruce Djité inflicted more pain for the Gosford club before the break – equalling Reds legend Travis Dodd as the Club’s highest Hyundai A-League scorer – thanks to a ruthless finish off Craig Goodwin’s cut-back. Pablo Sánchez converted an 81st minute spot-kick after he was fouled in the area. O’Donovan then netted arguably one of the strikes of the season when he volleyed past Eugene Galekovic after bringing the ball down from his chest.
3-1 win – 16/01/16 @ Coopers Stadium
The Round 15 match involving the Reds and Central Coast remained scoreless heading into the interval after both sides remarkably missed a penalty each. But the hosts were first to make amends on the hour mark as Craig Goodwin controlled Pablo Sánchez’s cross before dispatching an emphatic right-footed finish.
Fábio Ferreira equalised for the Mariners soon after, but it was rendered inconsequential as United scored two goals in the final ten minutes. Sánchez guided his near post header to the back stick, giving Adelaide the lead, while Mate Dugandzic guaranteed the points in injury time, steering in Goodwin’s accurate delivery.
4-0 win – 14/12/13 @ Coopers Stadium
Adelaide were without a victory since the opening day of the season heading into their Round 10 clash. But that would change as Adelaide enjoyed a rampant outing. Bruce Djité bundled in Sergio Cirio’s deflected cross and then the Spaniard assisted Fábio Ferreira, whose shot proved too powerful for Liam Reddy.
After the break Reddy was caught napping, trying to shield the ball out for a goalkick, but Cirio pounced and passed into an empty net. Jerónimo then sealed the rout in style, clinically scoring his one-on-one attempt.
3-1 win 06/10/06 @ Hindmarsh Stadium
After suffering a 4-1 home loss to Sydney FC the previous week, compounded by just two wins from the first six games, Adelaide were in desperate need of a response. The Reds got off to a great start when Carl Veart connected with Jason Spagnuolo’s cross to head home. However, Damian Mori equalised prior to half-time after he rounded Robert Bajic.
Though parity did not last long following the re-start as Kristian Rees headed Adelaide back in front from a corner at the near post. In stoppage time, Nathan Burns put the result beyond doubt finishing off a swift counter-attack.
Adelaide United host Central Coast Mariners in Round 12 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Tuesday, 26 December at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 7.20pm ACDT.
