Adelaide’s fierce rainfall could not stop the Reds as they stormed into equal third place on the Hyundai A-League table after a dominant 2-0 victory against Central Coast Mariners.
Adelaide-s fierce rainfall could not stop the Reds as they stormed into equal third place on the Hyundai A-League table after a dominant 2-0 victory against Central Coast Mariners.
Chances went begging for the Reds after controlling much of the possession until Marcelo Carrusca found himself with the ball at his feet inside the box after a surging Malik run. The Argentinian midfielder held his nerve and slotted the ball to the left of the Mariners keeper Liam Reddy after 30 minutes. The Reds then added a second to their tally just before half time as a piercing run through the middle of the park by Cirio and Djite set up Ferreira who fired straight for goal.
But it was the Mariners who began the game with a willingness to attack and a determination to forget about their loss at Coopers the last time the two sides played. Bernie Ibini was the first player through on goal before fluffing his chance to put his side ahead.
The Reds responded quickly through wingers Fabio Ferreira and the returning Sergio Cirio who brought with him pace and quick passing which stunned the Mariners- defence for large parts of the match. Djite came the closest to putting the Reds in front after a brilliant turn and strike was deflected for a corner.
Shortly after Carrusca found a breakthrough, the game burst into life with Adelaide employing an impressive attacking display. Their determination to create chances was evident through the powerful runs of both Djite and Cirio who created an Adelaide four against two, with Ferreira finding the back of the net.
The second half began much the same as the Reds continued piling the pressure on a faltering Mariners defence. Ferreira and Cirio provided too much pace and skill for the fullbacks to handle as Adelaide found a great amount of space in the wide areas. Ferreira saw a chance go begging as he spotted Reddy off of his line, but his timed lob sailed just wide.
Mariners boss Phil Moss looked to find a way back through South Korean import Kim Seung-Yong who made his debut in the Hyundai A-League. Playing behind Matt Simon, the two put the pressure on the Reds defence but Galekovic was able to keep a second consecutive clean sheet.
Gombau looked to his own bench and swapped Carrusca for Marrone in a more defensive move in an attempt to grind out the result. But the normally positioned fullback found himself in the forward half after evading two tackles before a Joshua Rose interception forced a corner for the Reds.
It was an impressive display by a Reds side dominant in the attacking third, and they were ultimately unfortunate to not add to their goal tally.
Adelaide United are now equal third on the table and will look to continue their form against fierce rivals Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park next Saturday.
Attendance: 6,980
Goals: Carrusca (33-), Ferreira (46-)
Red Cards: Nil
Yellow Cards:
ADL: Zullo 26-, Ferreira 47-
CCM: Rose 20-, Roux 35-, Fitzgerald 44-, Simon 93-
