As Adelaide United tackle the unbeaten Newcastle Jets at Coopers Stadium, here are some of our most memorable home victories.
7-0 win – 24 January 2015 @ Coopers Stadium
The Reds’ Round 15 clash of the 2014/15 season saw an utter annihilation take place. Bruce Djite opened proceedings with a bang in the second minute from close range, before Marcelo Carrusca rounded Ben Kennedy and then scored from the spot to make it 3-0 on 28 minutes, while Nigel Boogaard added a fourth soon after.
The Reds remained rampant in the second-half. Djite secured his brace, Sergio Cirio dispatched a spot-kick and Isaías completed the rout with a stunning long-range, curling effort into the top right corner. The result equalled United’s own record-equalling biggest home win in the competition’s history, after trouncing North Queensland Fury 8-1 in 2011.
2-1 win – 11 September 2010 @ Hindmarsh Stadium
After heading into their Round 6 clash unbeaten to start the season, Adelaide were strong favourites to continue a three-match winning streak. And United duly took the lead in the 23rd minute as Mathew Leckie forcefully headed home Cássio’s expert cross.
However, this game will always be remembered for the individual wonder goal Marcos Flores slotted in the second-half. The Argentine picked up the ball past the half-way line and evaded the attentions of four helpless Newcastle players and emphatically finished his effort into the top corner. Sean Rooney netted a consolation in stoppage time to halve the deficit.
3-2 win – 15 December 2006 @ Hindmarsh Stadium
This match proved an instant classic due to the end-to-end drama that played out in the second stanza. Brazil legend Romário’s wait for an Adelaide goal ended when he bundled in Ante Covic’s parried attempt in the opening quarter of an hour. Mark Bridge then levelled proceedings with a brilliant strike on the edge of the area in the 59th minute.
John Kosmina’s men immediately responded a minute later through Fernando Rech, restoring the Reds’ one-goal lead. However, Matt Thompson equalised, arrowing his shot into the top corner on the angle. But Greg Owens had the final say to outdo both of the Jets’ strikes, picking out the top corner. He generated enough space for himself just outside the 18-yard box by dropping his shoulder to shift the ball on to his right foot and unleash a spectacular drive. It was a goal worthy of winning any football match.
5-1 win – 8 September 2006 @ Hindmarsh Stadium
Adelaide started the season with back-to-back defeats without scoring and were in desperate need of a victory to ignite their campaign. And they certainly delivered in their Round 3 clash. Fernando Rech headed in Jason Spagnuolo’s crossing free-kick at the near post on eight minutes. Robbie Cornthwaite’s looping header then doubled the advantage.
Adelaide’s third again derived from a set-piece as Shengqing Qu’s low free-kick bulged the back-of-the-net. Mark Bridge grabbed a goal for the Jets but it proved inconsequential, as Andrew Durante scored an own goal before Fernando notched his second of the evening.
Adelaide United host Newcastle Jets in Round 6 of the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season on Saturday, 11 November at Coopers Stadium. Kick-off is at 5.05pm ACDT.
