Adelaide United extended their undefeated streak to nine matches with a frustrating 1-0 win over a gallant Newcastle Jets outfit at Coopers Stadium on Sunday.
A Marcelo Carrusca tap-in ultimately proved the difference between the two sides as the Reds secured their fifth consecutive home victory in rather unconvincing fashion.
Newcastle surprisingly had the better of the hosts for large parts of the first-half but had nothing to show for their dominance.
And they were subsequently punished when Bruce Djite’s inviting cut-back evaded Pablo Sanchez, falling kindly to the onrushing Carrusca just before the interval to rifle the ball into the net.
The second 45 failed to yield any goals with Adelaide content in controlling possession much to ire of the irritated crowd of 12,434, as the Jets continued to threaten on the break.
The result means Adelaide stay in sixth place and restore their seven point buffer over Perth Glory, while Newcastle languish in ninth spot.
Adelaide United
Eugene Galekovic – 6: Was comfortable when coming off his line and found his teammates more often than not when maintaining possession.
Jordan Elsey – 6: Another solid display from the young defender who continues to improve as each game passes, although his crossing ability leaves a lot to be desired.
Dylan McGowan – 6: Resolute at the back and put his body on the line to snuff out any impending danger.
Iacopo La Rocca – 6.5: Distribution was excellent when playing out from the back and held up Trifunovic well forcing him to play with his back to goal for the majority of proceedings.
Tarek Elrich – 6: Ventured forward with great purpose and also displayed his defensive responsibilities by committing crucial interceptions.
Isaias – 5.5: Not his most influential game in the centre of the park. Struggled to play with any rhythm and fluency and was too often reckless in possession. Nevertheless, his passion endears himself to the Adelaide faithful.
George Mells – 6: A few of his passes went astray, but overall kept things simple in midfield and applied pressure on the Jets defensive midfielders.
Marcelo Carrusca – 6.5: Again like the rest of his teammates was not at his usual best. The Argentine did show glimpses of his repertoire of skills and scored his fifth goal of the season from close range.
Pablo Sanchez – 6.5: Inventive on the wing and always appeared menacing when cutting inside as he looked to unlock the Jets’ back four with incisive passes and long switches.
Bruce Djite – 6: Another industrious performance from the number nine and grabbed the assist for Carrusca’s finish.
Craig Goodwin – 6: Surged forward on a number of occasions and was promising in advanced areas and should have scored in the initial exchanges from Sanchez’s exceptional long switch.
Substitutions
Sergio Cirio – 5.5: Replaced Sanchez on the hour mark and made an immediate impact winning a free kick and combined expertly with Carrusca, but was conspicuously devoid of match sharpness since a two-week injury lay-off.
Michael Marrone – N/A: Substituted on for Elsey, but did not have enough time to earn a match rating.
Stefan Mauk – N/A: Brought on for Mells with a minute remaining to complete his A-League debut for United.
Newcastle Jets
Mark Birighitti – 6: Nothing he could do about Carrusca’s goal and was rarely troubled during the clash.
Jason Hoffman – 5.5: Defended effectively and also advanced forward to deliver a couple of crosses.
Daniel Mullen – 6: Certainly a much improved outing after scoring a horrendous own goal last week and intercepted brilliantly.
Lachlan Jackson – 6: Marshalled the back four to great effect with Mullen in the absence of captain Nigel Boogaard.
Nicholas Cowburn – 6: The youngster put in a decent shift at left-back and cleared his lines when necessary.
Mateo Poljak – 6: Anchored the base of the midfield admirably, tried to ignite the Jets’ attacks with wide passes to the likes of Kitto and Alivodic.
Cameron Watson – 5.5: Patrolled the midfield well and offered extra protection in front of the defence, but was withdrawn during the second-half.
Leonardo – 5: Seemed to complain and remonstrate with the referee more than focus on doing his job for Scott Miller, signalling a frustrating outing for the Brazilian.
Enver Alivodic – 5.5: Worked tirelessly, however, lacked quality in the final third and wasted a glorious opportunity to put his side ahead.
Milos Trifunovic – 5: Struggled to get involved in the match and missed a guilt-edge chance to restore parity midway during the second stanza.
Ryan Kitto – 6: The former Adelaide youngster caused the Reds a few issues on the wing and when given space illustrated his scintillating pace.
Substitutions
Steven Ugarkovic – 5.5: Came on for Watson to provide cover in front of the Jets’ defence.
Marten Nordstrand – 5: Superseded Leonardo on 72 minutes as the ex-Danish international made his A-League debut and linked up adequately in midfield.
Mitch Cooper – N/A: Replaced ex-Red Kitto on 80 minutes.
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