Craig Goodwin’s deflected winner gave Adelaide United a much-deserved 2-1 win against the Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium on Thursday night.
A well-taken goal by Anthony Caceres for the Mariners from the edge of the box after 20 minutes was cancelled out immediately by Carrusca who dummied the defender and slotted past goalkeeper Liam Reddy in a great piece of skill.
This was all before Goodwin’s wrong-footed shot was deflected off of defender Zach Anderson which soared right over Reddy and into the bottom corner in the second half.
The early was exactly what the Reds needed to settle the nerves as an abundance of space began to open up for wingers Craig Goodwin and Sergio Cirio.
The two quick midfielders worked tirelessly to deliver crosses for their striker in Bruce Djite; unfortunately Reddy was equal to many of the opportunities the Reds had.
The first half ended in a deserved stalemate after a tight midfield battle which saw Jeggo work hard in a constant battle of possession.
The second half was a much different affair as the Reds began hitting their stride and found the familiar tempo that Coopers Stadium is so used to seeing.
It was deserved when Goodwin got his goal in the 67th minute.
Gombau didn’t seem content with just the one goal lead, as he replaced the goal scorer for Sanchez shortly after in an effort to put some fresh legs into the attacking line-up.
The substitution ensured that Adelaide United were able to continue to hold possession in the opposing half and minimise the threat posed by the Mariners.
The performance was exactly what the side has been lacking in the previous matches as they returned to the style and tempo that has led to their success many times this season.
Coach Josep Gombau was happy that tonight his side got the result his team’s football deserved.
“I think that we were on the same level last week but we didn’t get the result,” a more relaxed Gombau said.
“We got the result today and now we have to look at next week because this is also very important.
“The team trusted in themselves and tonight we saw the result that our football deserves, but I don’t always need to see the results, I need to see good football as a coach.”
The 2-1 win was Adelaide United’s first in two games and brought the team back up to third again before the remainder of the round.
Adelaide United next host arch rivals Melbourne Victory in Round 22 of the Hyundai 2014/15 A-League season on Saturday, 21 March at Coopers Stadium. Kick off at 7.00pm ACDT. To purchase tickets, click here.
Match Details
Thursday, 12 March 2015
Hyundai A-League 2014/15 Season – Round 21
Adelaide United 2 (Carrusca 24’, Goodwin 67′)
Central Coast Mariners 1 (Caceres 23′)
Venue: Coopers Stadium, Hindmarsh
Attendance: 7,767
Adelaide United: Galekovic (c), Marrone, Boogaard, McGowan, Isaias, Cirio, Carrusca (Malik 90+1′), Djite (Palanca 90+4′), Goodwin (Sanchez 72′), Jeggo, Elrich
Central Coast Mariners: Rose, Poscoliero (Roux 57′), Anderson, Hutchinson (c), Montgomery (Trifiro 79′), Caceres, Fitzgerald (Major 66′), Reddy, Cernak, Bosnar, Ferreira
Scorers: Caceres (23′), Carrusca (24′), Goodwin (67′)
Red cards: Nil
Yellow cards: Montgomery (4′), Bosnar (63′), Roux (68′), Ferreira (80′), Anderson (84′), Carrusca (87′)
