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 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.
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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.
Here are some of the best reactions from Twitter:
Australian vuvuzela equivalent, fold up clapper sticks, are out in force today! #ADLvCCM
— Ed Trinh (@ed_trinh) March 27, 2016
Definitely need to get myself over to Adelaide at some point for an #ALeague game, love those red seats #ADLvCCM
— Nick Amies (@nickamies) March 27, 2016
Adelaide by heaps here #ADLvCCM
— Ryan’s Rovers (@Ryans_Rovers) March 27, 2016
Nice goal looked like it was coming 1 nil CCM do us a favour hey #ADLvCCM
— Bay 49 Wanderers (@Bay49Wanderers) March 27, 2016
Mariners are a natural counter-attacking team. #ADLvCCM
— Katie Lambeski (@katielambeski) March 27, 2016
25 minutes in and it almost feels like Adelaide are playing at about 70%. Not great from them so far. #ADLvCCM #ALeague
— Ryan Steele (ライアン) (@Steelinho) March 27, 2016
What a goal that is. CCM sliced apart. Anyone fancy playing Adelaide in the finals? #ADLvCCM
— Jason Pine (@pineyzb) March 27, 2016
Goin for a shower and then out to get dinner. Expecting to lose 6-1 #ADLvCCM
— Josh Howe (@JoshO567) March 27, 2016
Hey Mariners. Don’t forget. When defending. Attempt to make a tackle. #ADLvCCM
— Matt (@DTDmatt) March 27, 2016
I have been entertained CCM…so I guess that means you played a good half? #ADLvCCM
— Ali Saenz (@ali_saenz) March 27, 2016
That was an amazing goal #ADLvCCM
— Blossom (@Sparkie_Gal) March 27, 2016
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