Adelaide United extended its undefeated streak to four matches romping to a 3-0 victory against a 10-man Wellington Phoenix in Saturday’s Boxing Day bout.
The Reds profited from a third own goal of the season to open the scoring as well as goals from Craig Goodwin and Michael Marrone settled the contest and in the process end a three-game winless run against the Phoenix.
Manny Muscat made an absolute meal out of Goodwin’s lowly driven cross as his failed clearance ricocheted into his own net and past the hapless Glen Moss, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead at the interval.
Both teams had their chances, with Jordan Elsey and Roy Krishna having attempts cleared off the goal line either side of half time.
However, Wellington’s chances of a securing a comeback were thin when an already cautioned Albert Riera was given his marching orders, following a late lunge on Jimmy Jeggo.
Guillermo Amor’s men then capitalised on their numerical advantage with gloveman Glen Moss making a hash of Goodwin’s tame strike, before Marrone put the game beyond doubt with a simple finish in front of a crowd attendance of 11, 655.
The results means Adelaide provisionally move up into seventh spot, while the visitors remain in sixth spot pending other matches.
Adelaide United
Eugene Galekovic – 5.5: At times did not seem to be at his confident and reliable best, however the blustery conditions could be considered a mitigating factor, given the wind did catch the ball.
Michael Marrone – 6.5: Went on a few marauding runs and looked to cross when the opportunity presented itself. However, his highlight came when he netted his first professional goal in the A-League for the Reds, tapping in from close range.
Dylan McGowan – 6.5: Distribution with the ball was imperious as always and intercepted well when imminent danger loomed. Additionally, robbed Krishna of a certain goal after desperately blocking his strike on the line and maintaining Adelaide’s slender advantage.
Jordan Elsey – 6: The young defender continues to excel after putting in another solid shift in the absence of the injured Osama Malik and nearly grabbed a goal when his audacious flick was cleared off the goal line.
Tarek Elrich – 6.5: Experienced arguably his most complete game of the season, as he was sturdy in defence and further caused problems in advanced areas.
Isaias – 5.5: Controlled possession in the middle of the park, but was lucky not to concede a penalty when Riera went down in the area.
James Jeggo – 6: The 23-year-old had two rifled efforts from distance, his first just wide and his second forcing Moss into a smart parry.
Marcelo Carrusca – 6: The Argentine did enough to cause the New Zealand outfit problems and was again effective in midfield as his resurgence to form persists.
Sergio Cirio – 6: Appeared more comfortable in his natural position on the left flank, but was curtailed well by Sarpong.
Bruce Djite – 5.5: Made his first start since Round 9 and offered his side an outlet going forward by playing wall passes and holding up the ball.
Craig Goodwin – 7: Caused the own goal to occur as it was his cross which resulted in Muscat’s mistake and also fortuitously netted his second of the season, again against the Phoenix.
Substitutions
Pablo Sanchez – 6: Replaced Djite on 67 minutes and looked lively hitting the post which led to Marrone’s simple finish.
Mate Dugandzic – N/A: Came on for Cirio on 79 minutes.
George Mells – N/A: Superseded Isaias with seven minutes remaining.
Wellington Phoenix
Glen Moss – 5: Could not do anything for the own goal, though was at fault for inexplicably allowing Goodwin’s tame shot to slip through his fingers.
Manny Muscat – 4.5: Kept Cirio relatively quiet, but was culpable for the own goal as his attempted clearance ended up in his own net.
Andrew Durante – 6.5: Resolute in defence and executed a number of crucial tackles and blocks to protect his gloveman Moss.
Vince Lia – 5.5: Did a decent job filling in as a makeshift centre-back, however the absence of the injured Ben Sigmund remains a gaping hole in the heart of defence.
Troy Danaskos – 5: The inexperienced left-back was rather ineffective and gave possession of the ball away far too easily at times.
Alex Rodriguez – 6: Looked confident in possession, particularly during the first half but was overrun in midfield after his side were reduced to 10 men.
Albert Riera – 5.5: The yellow card hindered his involvement somewhat as he could not break up the play, however perhaps should have received a penalty
Roly Bonevacia – 7: Illustrated why he is one of the A-League’s most dynamic and revered players. The 24-year-old was majestic in tight spaces and constantly proved a threat thanks to his magnificent dribbling ability.
Michael McGlinchey – 5: Was unable to get into match and was withdrawn after being starved of service.
Roy Krishna – 6: Tried throughout the entire match and was unlucky not have a goal of his own – one of the few bright spots in an overall disappointing performance by the visitors.
Jeffrey Sarpong – 5.5: Was surprisingly deployed as more of a right back and struggled to get in the game for the most part.
Substitutions
Kwabena Appiah-Kubi – 5.5: Replaced Sarpong and provided pace on the wing.
Matthew Ridenton – 5.5: Was brought on for Alex Rodriguez, but could not have an influence on proceedings.
Blake Powell – N/A: Replaced McGlinchey with 12 minutes remaining, but by then the damage was already done.
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