Adelaide United secured a dramatic 1-0 win over fierce rivals Melbourne Victory at AAMI Park on Friday night for the first time since February 2013.
The Reds finally ended nine consecutive games in all competitions without a triumph over their cross-border foes, after Bruce Kamau netted a late deflected goal.
Adelaide survived a barrage of Victory set-pieces throughout the first interval, with Gui Finkler coming the closest to breaking the deadlock after an exceptionally struck free-kick rattled the cross-bar.
Earlier though, Leigh Broxham had tested Eugene Galekovic from distance with a fabulous long-range strike only to see it tipped over the bar by the gloveman.
Craig Goodwin almost found the opener from the acutest of angles slamming the near post with a ferocious drive midway through the second-half.
However, Kamau had the final say with a fortuitous deflected effort ensuring United recorded a maiden victory in Melbourne in more than five years.
The substitute made an instant impression on proceedings after latching onto a Mauk pass, before firing his shot on goal past a helpless Danny Vukovic.
Kosta Barbarouses missed the match through suspension with veteran talisman Archie Thompson given the nod to replace him by Kevin Muscat.
Guillermo Amor made two changes as Tarek Elrich and Mauk returned to the starting line-up for the Reds at the expense of George Mells and Bruce Kamau.
The result means Adelaide are provisionally two points off top spot, while the Victory stay fifth in the league standings, pending other results.
Ben Williams too whistle happy
The referee was again the centre of attention in a match he officiated, constantly blowing his whistle to halt play instead of allowing the advantage to the attacking side. The stop-start nature of the first-half in particular was extremely frustrating for both coaches, who along with the fans wanted a free-flowing game of football. After just 40 minutes of proceedings there was a staggering 20 fouls committed – that obviously translates to one every two minutes after doing the math. On a number of those incidents Williams should have permitted play to continue instead of immediately bringing a stop to the clash. Once the attacking move ended Williams could have then dealt with the situation, taking the necessary action.
Fortune favours the Reds
For the entirety of the encounter the Reds defended with several numbers behind the ball and looked to exploit Melbourne on the counter-attack. It was a resolute defensive display from the back four with Dylan McGowan, Elrich and Jordan Elsey snuffing out any imminent danger especially from Victory crosses. However, luck was certainly instrumental in the encounter. United were fortunate not to have conceded two penalties due to handball with Melbourne also striking the woodwork through Finkler’s brilliant free-kick. Although, despite Melbourne seemingly having the better chances it was Adelaide who made them pay.
Adelaide end dismal winless record in Melbourne
The ‘Original Rivalry’ appeared destined to end scoreless and in the process prolong the Victory’s remarkable record against the Reds. However, Kamau’s late goal meant United’s long desire for an away win was finally completed. Before this match, Adelaide had not beaten their arch nemesis in Victoria since a 4-1 trouncing in January 2011. That underwhelming statistics translated to seven unsuccessful league visits to Australia’s second-largest city. The triumph tonight was just their fourth win across the border and the Reds will hope a win like this can be a further catalyst heading into the finals. The win could also break the psychological edge the Victory have over their opponents following such a dominant period.
Outside90 Player of the Year Votes
3 – Gui Finkler
2 – Matthieu Delpierre
1 – Dylan McGowan
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
