After a commanding victory against West Torrens Birkalla, Adelaide United visited Newton to take on Campbelltown City and their new coach, former Red Daniel Mullen.
End-to-end goal
Adelaide United and Campbelltown City entered Round Eight on opposite ends of the ladder. The Young Reds enjoyed the second spot on the ladder with 14 points, while Campbelltown City’s early-season struggles saw them down to 11th with just seven points to show for it.
The match began as the league standings suggested, with the Young Reds denied by the woodwork on two occasions in the first half before Campbelltown City had their first big chance. In the 37th minute, the reigning Champions broke through on the right wing through Kwabena Appiah-Kubi.
The experienced forward had time and space to put a dangerous cross in, but his attempt was thwarted by Sotiri Phillis, who cleared the ball for his fullback, Fabian Talladira. From there, the Young Reds needed four passes and less than 30 seconds to counter their opposition and score the game’s opening goal, courtesy of Amlani Tatu’s cutback, picking out a free Ryan White, who made the hosts pay for their lax defending.
Ryan White gave Adelaide United a first-half lead (Image: Pagonis Photography)
Made to pay for missed chances
Adelaide United entered the half time break at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre frustrated to lead the game by only a solitary goal. While Ryan White opened the scoring in the 39th minute, Amlani Tatu was unfortunate that his thunderous seventh-minute effort cannoned off Luca Meggetto’s crossbar.
Similarly, an unlikely would-be goalscorer, Malual Nichola capitalised on an opportunity when he saw the ball bouncing out of Campbelltown’s box and lined up a low, driving effort that was only denied by the post. The onus for the Young Reds to extend their lead increased late in the first half after Campbelltown goalkeeper Luca Meggetto was sent off for a handball outside the box.
Instead, the Young Reds were sloppy early in the second half, and a casual piece of play allowed Adam Piscioneri to intercept the ball before setting up Josh Mori to equalise in the 58th minute. Adelaide created chances, but substitute goalkeeper Matt Centofanti ensured the scoreline remained level with multiple close-range saves. This string of missed opportunities opened the door for Campbelltown City to earn a massive three points.
Adelaide United players with their hands on their heads after a missed chance (Image: Pagonis Photography)
A familiar way to lose
Following Josh Mori’s equaliser and Adelaide United’s inability to convert their chances, the door was left open for Campbelltown City to break their visitors’ hearts. That is precisely what happened when referee Joe-Jordan Tripodi awarded an 86th-minute penalty to Nicholas Graves due to interference off the ball by Sotiri Phillis.
Campbelltown marksman Marc Marino made no mistake from the spot to raise his side away from the relegation zone while condemning the Young Reds to a second loss of the season. Adelaide United’s two losses this season share similarities, with the results being largely self-inflicted and coming from a position of strength.
Like in Round Two against the Adelaide Comets, the Young Reds were in a strong position to win in Newton after a red card to their opposition. Despite creating multiple chances with their numerical advantage, the Young Reds were sunk on both occasions by a late penalty.
A disappointed Amlani Tatu after his side’s loss to Campbelltown City (Image: Pagonis Photography)
Full Time
Campbelltown City 2 (Mori, Marino)
Adelaide United 1 (White)
