Adelaide United have been knocked out of the Hyundai A-League finals series in a tight 1-0 defeat against the Central Coast Mariners.
Adelaide United have been knocked out of the Hyundai A-League finals series in a tight 1-0 defeat against the Central Coast Mariners.
The Reds piled the pressure on the Mariners from the outset but an Ibini strike left them wishing they had been more clinical.
Adelaide were very positive in their approach as they enjoyed more of the possession in the match, and wing backs Malik and Zullo pressed well on their respective flanks.
Meanwhile, the Mariners were happy to absorb everything the Reds threw at them, and instead opted to charge on the counter and impose their defensive physicality on the game.
Both teams struggled to threaten in the final third with the Reds bossing the midfield but ultimately struggling to test Mariners keeper Liam Reddy.
The second half began a more heated affair as both sides started testing their opposing goalkeepers.
With the lack of a designated striker in Bruce Djite, Marcelo Carrusca took it upon himself to spark the Reds into attack and showed intent in front of goal.
After an hour of play, Djite did get his chance to find a goal and came on for the Reds, but the Mariners were to find a breakthrough soon after.
Bernie Ibini attacked the space in front of him on the edge of the area to fire one past Eugene Galekovic from close range after a quick counter from Mariner-s left back Storm Roux.
The Reds reacted rapidly to the set-back and Malik, along with Mabil, threatened the Mariners- back four with pace and precise passing.
A last minute effort from Djite came closest for the Reds but it wasn-t to be for an Adelaide United side that turned their season around.
The squad will continue to improve under coach Josep Gombau who has signed on with the club for the next three years.
Adelaide United would like to sincerely thank all the fans for their continued support this season, and we encourage you to follow our social media channels for updates during the off-season.
