Adelaide United escaped with three vital points by defeating a luck-lustre Melbourne Victory 1-0 at Hindmarsh Stadium.
It was a gritty and determined performance by United who had to play the majority of the game with only 10 men. United lost key defender and club champion Richie Alagich in the 15th minute after he was harshly sent off. Alagich and Victory's Pantelidis went in for a 50/50 ball in the middle of the park. Pentelidis was first to the ball by only a moment and was clattered into by Alagich. Pantelidis then put in a brilliant writhing performance on the ground that would have made Russell Crowe proud.
It was a clear free kick but the crowd was stunned when Referee Peter gave Alagich a straight red card and an early trip to the change rooms. It was a terrible decision that instantly brought an end to the game as a spectacle. Of course once Alagich was off the field, Pantelidis was back on his feet in an instant and quickly rejoined the game - a perfect example of one of the most derided aspects of football that knockers will repeatedly use to belittle the world game.
Fortunately for Adelaide they were already 1-0 up. They had opened the scoring within seconds of the opening whistle. From the kick-off the ball was hit wide, pushed down the flank, crossed-in and tapped into the back of the net by Louis Brain. It was a stunning start to a match between two teams that had played out three scoreless draws in their previous meetings this year.
Even the most optimistic Adelaide fans would have doubted that a 10 man Adelaide could hold out for 75 minutes against a side boasting in-form Socceroo striker Archie Thompson and Kevin "butcher" Muscat.
Melbourne Victory took charge of the game while Adelaide reshuffled its tactics and reverted to a counter-attacking game. Adelaide was dealt a further blow in the 10th minute when midfielder Travis Dodd hobbled off the pitch to be replaced by Bugeja.
Ferrante tried his luck from range and hit a powerful shot from outside the box into the top corner of the goal. But Adelaide keeper Beltrame pulled off a magnificent diving save to tip the ball over the bar and keep United in the game.
Next Melbourne earnt a free kick well outside the box. Sarkies stepped up and smashed a vicious dipping drive. Beltrame was at his best again tipping the ball over the bar.
The minutes ticked by with Melbourne showing little urgency and struggling to break down the determined Adelaide United defence. Melbourne did not use the width of the park, were unable to get down the flanks and behind the Adelaide backlines. Instead they gave a good demonstration of how not to take advantage of an extra man.
The teams went into the half time break with Adelaide holding its 1-0 lead.
At half time Victory coach Ernie Merrick must have given his players a quick lesson in tactics because his side came out showing more determination and better use of the width in the second half.
Melbourne dominated possession and pushed the ball around the park in search of an opening. But Melbourne showed little imagination in going forward and Adelaide was equal to every threat.
Clear goal scoring opportunities were almost non existent as Adelaide defended with numbers in its own half. The best chances fell to Lia who twice headed over the bar. Kitzbichler hit a volley that went close in the 57th minute and Thomson headed wide in the 85th minute.
Adelaide doggedly held on to its slender lead right through to the final whistle. It was a great performance from United who came away with three points despite being down to 10 men for 75 minutes. It was an against the odds "Escape to Victory" performance.
The win sees Adelaide remain undefeated after three A-League rounds.
Best for Adelaide was man of the match Beltrame followed by midfielder Costanzo. Best for Melbourne was Kevin Muscat. Socceroo striker Archie Thompson was very disappointing and was rarely sighted during the game.
A below expectation crowd of 8,785 turned out at Hindmarsh sending a clear message to Adelaide United that it needs to do some work if it is to recapture the success of its last NSL season.