Adelaide United Far From Convincing as Reds Beat Western United
In game that saw old friends meet as rivals out on the pitch, United had to come from behind to beat Western United 2-1 on Saturday night at Coopers Stadium.
10 minutes in, it was Thurgate’s ball from the free kick that saw Leonard turn the ball back toward goal.
The little touch from Kane Vidmar saw him turn home a goal in the stadium in which his uncle, Aurelio, has a stand named after him.
In better news for Reds fans, Adelaide’s new recruit, Bart Vriends, started well at centre-back. He looked calm when he was in possession, and was able to find a teammate on nearly all occasions.
Adelaide started playing more direct football. Pierias was able to turn a ball toward Luca Jovanovic, who from point blank range was denied by Sutton.
Mauk’s pass at the edge of the 18-yard box found young gun Austin Ayoubi. From there, Ayoubi was able to cut inside and shoot, but he missed. The ball fired left of the goal.
After a chaotic passage of play, Luca Jovanovic had the ball taken off of his foot. From there the ball rolled toward Dylan Leonard. Leonard was in the wrong place at the wrong time as the ball bounced of him and into the goal.
The referee would originally call for a goal kick. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal would be given. Coopers Stadium erupted in the 32nd minute.
After half time, Adelaide United should’ve been two goals up when both Clough and Mauk missed gettable chances. Pierias was lurking at the back post, but again, Sutton was there, this time stopping the ball with his outstretched hand.
Adelaide United’s second half started as their first ended. Adelaide was able to find Austin Ayoubi who drove at the Western defender and then passed the ball across to try and find Zach Clough, who should have stuck a leg out to score.
Austin Ayoubi was again starting to find the pace of the game. He was involved in three United attacks in a row, before United head coach, Carl Veart, called his number back to the bench.
No love was lost between Hiroshi Ibusuki and James Delianov tonight. From a cross, Delianov was able clear the ball, but his trailing hand hit Hiroshi in the head. Blood dripped from his mouth as he came from the field, however he was able to continue.
Ryan Kitto took down Abel Walatee in the penalty box. In a desperate lunge, he hooked his leg around Walatee’s leg and brought him down. It appeared as if the Adelaide United Captain had made no contact with the ball, but it was waved away by the referee.
Ben Folami’s cross in the 70th minute saw United take the lead. The former Victory playmaker’s dangerous ball across the box saw Zach Clough pounce and strike gold. The net bulging as United were finally rewarded for their hard work.