Adelaide United were undone by Adelaide City, as they fell 0-6 in Round 14 of the PlayStation 4 National Premier Leagues at Adelaide City Park on Saturday.
The Young Reds looked like the strong team in the first half, as they applied pressure and put on a solid showing against the league leaders.
However, United were unable to stop a blazing Nic Bucco, as his hat-trick lead the Zebras to victory.
Goals to Joel Allwright, Jacob Butler-Bowden and Daniel Filosi added to City’s tally.
It was an energetic start by both sides, but Adelaide United were the team to paint the field Red from early on, with several chances on goal.
Captain Josh Mori led his side out, and linked-up with Liam and Hamish McCabe on countless threatening occasions.
Six minutes in, Liam McCabe stormed through City’s defence, but was eventually thwarted by a stable Paul Blefari.
Although, Pacifique Niyongabire gave Blefari a headache when he charged down the wing, and cut into the penalty area several times.
A cross in met Hamish McCabe, whose promising shot had been deflected out for a corner.
Hamish McCabe then caused more distress for City’s backline with a few more chances, but he was unable to get any clear-cut shots on target, as he was ensued by Blefari and Captain, Matthew Halliday.
After the Reds held most of the possession, and with chances on goal, Allwright executed his first shot of the match for City, and broke the deadlock in the 41st minute slotting home a through ball.
On the edge of half-time, Hamish McCabe eyed the opportunity for the equaliser, but was off target from close range.
Allwright’s goal propelled his side, and in the second half, City could not be stopped.
In the 53rd minute, Butler-Bowden netted past Adelaide United gloveman, Isaac Richards, and within five minutes, Bucco completed a brace with two neat strikes.
Filosi then tapped in a Scott Nagel cross, to make it 5-0 in the 73rd minute.
FInally, Bucco struck remarkably from a corner kick, which found the back of the net to make it 6-0.
Moving on to next week, Round 15 sees Adelaide United back home to face Campbelltown City at The Parks Football Centre on Saturday.
Reserves:
Adelaide United 1
Adelaide City 1
