Adelaide United’s three-match winning streak ended after controversially going down 1-0 to Perth Glory at Central Coast Stadium on Thursday night.
After the Reds conceded from a corner inside six minutes, Fiona Worts’ 12th minute equaliser was inexplicably ruled out.
Perth were then reduced to 10 players just beyond the hour mark, but Adelaide could not take advantage and saw its hopes of a record-breaking fourth consecutive victory go up in flames.
The result impacts the permutations with the Glory joining Adelaide on 18 points from 10 matches with the race for the top four heating up.
Adrian Stenta’s side now have a quick turnaround to prepare for its away match against Brisbane Roar on Sunday and get its finals aspirations back on track.
WHAT WENT RIGHT. WHAT WENT WRONG.
What went wrong: Conceding early from a set-piece
The Reds quest to record a Club-record fourth clean sheet in a row was quickly dashed inside six minutes from a corner. Mie Leth Jans flicked Deborah-Anne de la Harpe’s corner on at the near-post and her header flew into the net. It was a disappointing blow to fall behind early in the contest and Adelaide never truly recovered, despite breaching Perth’s goal moments later.
What went wrong: Legitimate goal disallowed
In the 12th minute Adelaide was on the receiving end of one of the most perplexing refereeing decisions of the season when Fiona Worts’ equaliser was ruled out for an apparent offside. The striker followed up Emily Condon’s saved attempt from an onside position as a Perth defender was slightly ahead and at the very least level with the Englishwoman. It was certainly a baffling judgement, as she was clearly onside. Even Perth goal-scorer Mie Leth Jans thought it was 1-1 going into the interval during a half-time interview and had to be told the goal was chalked off. It ultimately had an effect on the outcome of the clash even if Adelaide was not at their best.
What went right: Perth reduced to 10
It was one of those days. Not a lot went right but it seemed on 62 minutes the game could turn in the Reds favour when half-time substitute, Susan Phonsongkham was brandished a second yellow card and dismissed for a late tackle on Dylan Holmes. It provided the chance for United to make the most of the situation and give them new hope they could get something out of the game.
What went wrong: Unable to capitalise on numerical advantage
While the dismissal would ostensibly favour Adelaide, it did little to swing the momentum. Once Perth did lose a player to a second caution, it appeared that might be the turning point and the catalyst needed for Adelaide to click into gear. However, the Reds struggled to play with any real urgency and their ball retention was a far cry from what we have seen in their recent matches. Adelaide could not consistently retain possession when advancing up the pitch. Consequently, they could not produce enough clear-cut chances to put Morgan Aquino and the Perth defence under immense pressure and exploit the use of their extra player.
Match details:
Thursday, 10 February
Liberty A-League 2021/22 – Matchweek 5
Perth Glory 1 (Leth Jans 6’)
Adelaide United 0
Venue: Central Coast Stadium
Attendance: 308
