Adelaide United has edged out Melbourne Victory at AMMI Park on Friday night for the first time in five years through a dramatic late winner from substitute Bruce Kamau.
Here is a lineup of the best players on the night.
Did we miss anyone?
Eugene Galekovic – Goalkeeper – Adelaide United
The Adelaide veteran edges out Victory No. 1 Danny Vukovic due to the fact he was able to keep a clean sheet on the night. The skipper made a number of key saves to keep the Victory. His leadership at the back was big in a game dubbed the ‘original rivalry’ throughout the week. Most of his saves were made early on, stops that if they weren’t made could have altered the outcome of the match.
Jason Geria – Right-back – Melbourne Victory
Even though Geria was replaced by Daniel Georgievski in the 61st minute, the Victory youngster put in a solid performance. The Olyroo made his trademark runs forward as he continually linked up with Kosta Barbarouses. He was strong in defence, helping to snuff out numerous Adelaide chances.
Jordan Elsey – Central defence – Adelaide United
The young defender did an excellent job with partner Dylan McGowan, keeping Victory’s attackers at bay. Elsey was dominant in the air winning a number of duels in the air to send the ball away from his own goal. Didn’t have as much as McGowan did when marking Besart Berisha, but when he covered the Albanian barely had a sight on goals thanks to Elsey’s expert man-marking.
Matthieu Delpierre – Central defence – Melbourne Victory
Yet again the big centre half demonstrated why he is such a key to the Victory’s hopes of retaining the title at the end of the season. The Frenchmen’s height is key to his game, asserting himself in aerial battles all night. The veteran defender, who was selected in the Asian Champions League squad during the week, will be pivotal to their chances of reaching the knockout stages.
Dylan McGowan – Central defence – Adelaide United
Tasked with perhaps one of the most difficult tasks in the A-League, marking Berisha out of the game. McGowan did it with aplomb showing great determination and concentration and in doing so was arguably Man of the Match. His consistent run in the team is reaping its rewards with top notch performances become a regular occurrence.
Michael Marrone – Left-back – Adelaide United
Marrone was involved in a great battle with Fahid Ben Khafallah throughout the night. The Adelaide fullback worked hard the entire night to keep the winger at bay. The versatile Marrone made his direct opponent accountable by making surging runs down the left-hand flank.
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Stefan Mauk – Defensive midfield – Adelaide United
The Reds January acquisition produced arguably his best performance in an Adelaide United shirt. Shifted into more of a central role, Mauk did his job at both ends of the pitch throughout the 90 minutes and looked confident going forward. At 20, he’s a player with great technical ability and on this evidence could be a coup for the club.
Gui Finkler – Central midfield – Melbourne Victory
Finkler was out to prove a point, after his omission from the ACL squad in midweek. The Brazilian was unlucky not to open the scoring, when his goal-bound shot deflected off the crossbar. Victory’s playmaker was his side’s main source of inspiration, which added further doubt to Kevin Muscat’s decision not to select him the ACL squad.
Marcelo Carrusca – Central midfield – Adelaide United
Carrusca continued his recent run of good form with a solid showing against the Victory. The Argentine demonstrated his wonderful dribbling ability by producing some dazzling runs that opened up the Victory defence. The 32-year-old continued to probe the home side in the second half, although his passing range could not unlock a relatively sturdy Victory rearguard.
Bruce Kamau – Forward – Adelaide United
This kid is the real deal. Kamau has not put a foot wrong since his call up to the first team. The substitute made a nuisance of himself throughout the second half, coming on for Sergio Cirio. His 16 minute cameo was capped off by scoring a last-gasp winner for a rampant Adelaide outfit.
Bruce Djite – Forward – Adelaide United
It was not a vintage display from the powerful centre-forward, however he never shirked a physical battle and caused the Victory defenders plenty of headaches. Djite’s hold-up play allowed Adelaide to move the ball into the final third, in what can be described as workmanlike performance from the 28-year-old.
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