Western Sydney Wanderers
Liam Reddy – 6: At the centre of a controversial clash with Bruce Kamau, and perhaps lucky not to be sent off. Rarely challenged otherwise.
Scott Neville – 7: With Romeo Castelen struggling to find space, Neville pushed up the field, combining with Mitch Nichols. Wasn’t rushed in defence, with Bruce Djite the focal point for Adelaide.
Alberto – 6.5: Was present when his side needed him but otherwise less than prominent. Did provide some presence at corners in the first half, with Vidosic and Santalab on the bench.
Nikolai Topor-Stanley – 6: Barely sighted in the first half, he was often left trailing behind as Djite pushed up the ground. Still, he didn’t give away many chances and improved as the game wore on.
Scott Jamieson – 5.5: One of few to find space, but too often sent crosses flying out of play. Had his hands full with the athleticism of Bruce Kamau, much to the home crowd’s chagrin.
Andreu – 7: Cut off a ball to Stefan Mauk in the box and appeared to be injured, but moved freely thereafter. Held shape well, with Adelaide often playing long to Djite.
Dimas – 7: Was disciplined in midfield, tracking back well and creating attacking opportunities.
Mitch Nichols – 7.5: The fulcrum of the Wanderers side, Nichols was prominent once again, linking up well with Andreu, Dimas and Neville. Unable to capitalise on a couple of chances to score, his night ended in the 75th, replaced by Brendon Santalab.
Romeo Castelen – 7: looked in fine form to begin with, dancing around Craig Goodwin and Iacopo La Rocca to create a chance, but the space closed down around him as Adelaide’s defence turned the screws. Class shined through when chances arose.
Jaushua Sotirio – 4: Struggled to find space in the first half, as a disciplined Michael Marrone closed down his side. Couldn’t link up with Jamieson, who was wayward. Substituted off for Dario Vidosic in the 68th.
Mark Bridge – 6: Had a couple of opportunities to score, including a golden chance to claim three points in extra time, but was generally quiet in a match that lacked any real attacking bite from either side.
That is a bunch of Where's Wally's holding a sign of 'Where's Pio'?' #WSWvADL pic.twitter.com/tvS8i0eFmO
— Behind the Game (@behindthegamepd) 19 March 2016
Substitutes:
Andrew Redmayne – N/A
Shannon Cole – N/A
Kearyn Baccus – N/A: came on late for Andreu.
Dario Vidosic – 6: subbed on for Sotirio in 68th. A half-hearted header was gratefully scooped up by Galekovic.
Brendon Santalab 6: – subbed on for Nichols in 74th. Nearly gave his side the lead in the 83rd, the ball ricocheting off Goodwin and the post.
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