Adelaide United moved within a point of top spot after a 4-2 comeback win over a hapless Central Coast Mariners outfit at Coopers Stadium on Easter Sunday.
Adelaide completed a domestic clean sweep of victories over Central Coast as goals from Isaias, Stefan Mauk, Bruce Djite and Pablo Sanchez cancelled out Roy O’Donovan’s impressive brace.
The Mariners opened the scoring against the run of play when Liam Rose’s through ball found O’Donovan in space, who effortlessly evaded the attentions of Dylan McGowan to steer his strike to the near post.
Parity was soon restored, however, for the home side as gloveman Paul Izzo could not deal with Isaias’ shot from distance which bounced awkwardly just before the ex-Red.
And United did not have to wait long to take the lead, when Mauk scored a stunning individual goal, dribbling past three players to clinically slot his shot under the onrushing Izzo.
Six minutes later, striker Djite made it 3-1 etching his name on the scoresheet as he was quickest to react to Craig Goodwin’s cut-back, following a brilliant passing move.
The second-half saw Adelaide continue to exert their dominance when Djite’s headed attempt landed agonisingly wide of the post after Goodwin delivered an inviting cross.
Substitute Sanchez was awarded a penalty after he was clearly fouled by Harry Ascroft and he nonchalantly converted the ensuing spot-kick.
O’Donovan immediately replied for the Mariners in sumptuous style with a chest and volley from the top shelf, but it was merely a consolation in front of a crowd attendance of 10 269.
The result sees Adelaide provisionally surge into second place, one point behind the ladder leading Brisbane Roar, while Central Coast are without a win in over two months.
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Formations
Guillermo Amor made just the one change to his usual 4-3-3 system with Argentine Marcelo Carrusca replacing George Mells in midfield. Bruce Kamau retained his place in the line-up ahead of the returning Sanchez, while Craig Goodwin remained at left-back.
Adelaide United Starting XI: Galekovic; Marrone, McGowan, La Rocca, Goodwin; Isaias, Mauk, Carrusca; Cirio, Djite, Kamau
For the Mariners, boss Tony Walmsley made two personnel alterations, one forced and one tactical to his side. Luis Garcia returned from suspension – superseding the injured Nick Montgomery, who missed the clash after sustaining a calf problem against Sydney FC last week. Mitch Austin also featured in the line-up at the expense of Josh Bingham, since serving a one-game ban.
Walmsley also entrusted a 4-4-2 formation and shifted Josh Rose to centre-back from left midfield for Austin. He also moved Jake McGing in a more advanced role in centre midfield from defence and Garcia was utilised up front as a striker.
Central Coast Mariners Starting XI: Izzo; Poscoliero, Ascroft, J. Rose, Neill; Ferreira, McGing, L. Rose, Austin; Garcia, O’Donovan
Stefan Mauk’s link-up play a sight to behold
The young midfielder has developed his game to extraordinary lengths this season and is fast establishing himself as one of the competition’s most dynamic players. Mauk was again instrumental for the hosts and despite scoring a stunning solo effort, where he glided through the heart of the Mariners’ defence it was his tireless work rate – offensively and defensively – which should be equally admired.
At 20 years of age, the ex-City man demonstrated immense composure in possession and was key in linking the defence with the attack. His box-to-box playing style means he is already becoming a fan favourite of the club, along with his three goals for the South Australians. He is also seemingly involved in almost every attacking move, a further testament of his endurance.
Liam Rose a shining light for Walmsley
Irrespective of a campaign plagued by frustration, mediocrity and despair, one auspicious sign is the prodigious Liam Rose. Can he be the saviour to resurrect the Mariners from the bottom of the table into a more determined outfit next year? The 18-year-old has been immense and is certainly one of the real promising youngsters in a very youthful side. He orchestrated a lot of the play in the centre of the park and was responsible for unleashing O’Donovan with a tremendous through pass that saw the Northern Irishman net the opening goal.
Throughout the affair, he never looked nervous with the ball at his feet and illustrated a range of long and short passes – proving he has the necessary qualities to be a potential star for the Gosford team. With more experienced players around him next season, expect to the see Rose enhance his progression.
Adelaide United Conclusion
It was a match Adelaide had to claim maximum points if they were going to remain a genuine title contender. Despite conceding initially, it was always going to be a case of when the Reds would score not if – due to the Mariners’ horrendous defensive record this campaign. They responded with four unanswered goals and were in complete cruise control mode for the duration of the second stanza. However, bigger tests lie ahead now with two successive away encounters against a demoralised Sydney FC and then the potentially league title decider against Melbourne City in the final round of the regular season.
Central Coast Mariners Conclusion
For Central Coast, the faster this year finishes the better. It was a match where despite showing glimpses of promise, they were ruthlessly punished for virtually every error made and yielded three goals in 10 minutes to be trailing at the interval. Although the recipients of an inaugural wooden spoon, Walmsley must motivate his players for the remaining two matches and warn that some are playing for their A-League futures.
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