Adelaide United came from behind to defeat Perth Glory 2-1 in a thrilling, yet hot match at nib Stadium on Monday night.
The 36-degree heat did not stop Jimmy Jeggo from bagging his first goal of the season to ultimately win the game for the Reds after an excellent assist from Bruce Djite.
The Reds controlled possession for large parts throughout, with the Glory most dangerous on the counter-attack.
Nebojsa Marinkovic capitalised on an exposed Adelaide defence to put the home side 1-0 up against the run of play after just ten minutes.
This shook the away side as the Glory immediately had another chance after Keogh spotted Paul Izzo off his line, but the ambitious chip sailed over the bar.
However, the luck was soon to turn in favour of Adelaide, when
Goodwin pounced on an error from Garcia to cooly slot past Vukovic just before the break.
The versatile wingback would not see the second half however, as he was replaced by Awer Mabil in what coach Josep Gombau deemed as a tactical substitution.
The switch allowed Cirio to move to his preferred position on the left side of midfield where he would influence United’s second goal.
His clever pass around Dino Djulbic allowed Djite to square for Jeggo who smashed in an effort from close range.
Carrusca and Isaias proved troublesome for the Glory throughout, with the former returning from injury to complete a solid 70 minute shift before being replaced by Pablo Sánchez after a drinks break.
Perth went in search of an equaliser throughout the half, but young goalkeeper Paul Izzo kept his composure to round out a hard fought victory for the Reds.
Gombau was happy that his side was able to win at such a difficult place.
“To come here and get the three points is so hard here and I am satisfied with the work that we did.
“We are glad to end the last game before the break with a win and now the players can have a bit of a break which will be good for them.”
The Adelaide United players and coaches will now go on a one week break before returning to prepare of the Reds next home game. Adelaide United will next play against the Newcastle Jets at Coopers Stadium on January 24 after the break for the Asian Cup. Click here to purchase ticket now.
Match Details
Monday, 5 January 2015
Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Season – Round 14
Perth Glory 1
Adelaide United 2
Venue: nib Stadium, Perth
Attendance: 9,699
Perth Glory: Danny Vukovic (GK), Rostyn Griffiths, Dino Djulbic (Jack Clisby 90’+1), Andy Keogh, Nebojsa Marinkovic, Richard Garcia, Chris Harold (Jamie Maclaren 25m), Sidnei Sciola (Daniel De Silva 60’), Josh Risdon, Scott Jamieson, Michael Thwaite (C).
Adelaide United: Michael Marrone, Nigel Boogaard (C), Dylan McGowan, Isaias, Sergio Cirio, Marcelo Carrusca (Pablo Sanchez 67’), Bruce Djite (Osama Malik 80’), Craig Goodwin (Awer Mabil 46’), Jimmy Jeggo, Paul Izzo (GK), Tarek Elrich
Scorers: Nebojsa Marinkovic (11’), Craig Goodwin (31’), James Jeggo (48’)
Red cards: Nil
Yellow cards: Nebojsa Marinkovic (38’), Scott Jamieson (45’), Sidnei Sciola (51’), James Jeggo (58’), Marcelo Carrusca (62’)