A goal from Ben Halloran has given Adelaide United a crucial 1-0 win over bitter rivals Melbourne Victory to snap its four-game losing streak at Coopers Stadium on Friday night.
Halloran’s 32nd minute goal was the difference maker to make it four consecutive triumphs over Victory for the first time in the Reds’ history.
Paul Izzo was also vital in preserving the clean sheet – just United’s second of the league campaign.
Gertjan Verbeek made just the one personnel change to the starting line-up with Kristian Opseth replacing Ryan Kitto for his first start since Round 7, incidentally against Victory. The Norwegian’s inclusion meant George Blackwood moved into midfield while Michaël Maria shuffled across to left-back.
Meanwhile, Mirko Boland returned to the bench for the first time this Hyundai A-League season following a lengthy injury lay-off.
It was a tentative start from both sets of players, perhaps suggestive of each side not looking to make any mistakes.
But after a nervous opening five minutes, Adelaide settled and began to enjoy more of the possession.
However, against the run of play Victory were awarded a penalty for an apparent handball on Jordan Elsey.
The decision was rightfully overturned upon the intervention of VAR with replays palpably indicating the ball struck the defender’s chest.
After another dominant period of controlling the tempo, the Reds drew first blood through Halloran forcing in Adama Traore’s attempted clearance on the goal-line.
The visitors almost replied when Andrew Nabbout flashed a shot on goal but fortunately it flashed across Izzo’s far post.
The game began to open up in the second-half with Victory throwing caution to the wind and putting the Reds on the back foot.
Elvis Kamsoba, Nabbout and Traore all had chances to equalise, but Izzo was equal to the task.
It was then Adelaide’s turn to return serve as Elsey’s header from a deflected set-piece produced a diving stop from Thomas, before Nikola Mileusnić also saw a header hit the woodwork.
Nabbout should have levelled proceedings but he squandered his effort, shooting over the bar when he had an eternity to pick his spot.
Riley McGree almost made it 2-0 but his effort curled inches wide of the far corner after some good link up play from Opseth.
Izzo came to the Reds’ rescue at the death to thwart Nabbout’s near-post finish and ensure United collected a massive confidence booster moving forward.
Key moments:
32’ | GOAL! McGree’s shot is fumbled by Thomas and Traore’s attempted clearance ricochets off Halloran who bundles the ball home.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6124257107001
36’ | CHANCE: Nabbout is left unmarked but is one-on-one opportunity goes begging.
63’ | CHANCE! Elsey’s header forces Thomas into a save at full-stretch.
65′ | CHANCE! Nikola Mileusnić’s header tales a deflection and rebounds off the post, before Ryan Strain has two bites at the cherry but both shots are blocked.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6124269495001
70’ | CHANCE: Nabbout is picked out by Kamsoba but his effort is blazed over the top.
