Adelaide United returned to its winning ways when it overcame a dogged Central Coast Mariners 3-1.
Central Coast started the game strongly though fell behind in the 25th minute. Jason Spagnuolo picked up the ball out wide and crossed the ball into Carl Veart at the back post. Veart hit a powerful header that goalkeeper Vukovic couldn’t stop. 1-0 to Adelaide.
Despite the goal, Central Coast continued to control the game and was eventually when John Kosmina’s nemesis Damien Mori grabbed a trademark poachers goal. Mori got on the end of a ball from Noel Spencer, beat Adelaide’s Rees and goalkeeper Bajic before hitting the back of the net from a very tight angle.
At half time the scoreline was 1-1 – a disappointing first 45 minutes by Adelaide.
Adelaide lifted in the second half and took the upper hand. Adelaide pushed forward in search of a goal. Nathan Burns went close forcing an excellent save from goalkeeper Vukovic. A few minutes later Burns went closer with his shot hitting the upright before being desperately cleared by Central Coast. Vukovic was called into action again to deny shots from Kemp and Petta. Finally in the 58th minute defender Kristian Rees nodded home an in swinging Bobby Petta corner to make it 2-1 to Adelaide.
Adelaide continued to split open the Central Coast defence. Midfielder Owens went one on one with Vukovic but was unable to beat the young goalkeeper. With the minutes ticking away Nathan Burns broke through the Central Coast defense and with only Vukovic to beat slid his shot inches wide of the post.
Adelaide deservedly grabbed its third goal of the game though 18 year old striker Burns. He raced onto a ball from Veart, outpaced the Central Coast defenders before slotting the ball past Vukovic. 3-1 to Adelaide in the 91st minute. It was the youngsters second goal in two goals and he is rapidly developing into one of the most exciting young prospects in Australian football.
Final whistle – and another 3 points to Adelaide.
It was a crucial victory for Adelaide keeping them in touch with Queensland and Sydney and maintaining 4th spot despite the win by 5th placed Perth Glory. Kosmina should be pleased with the 2nd half performance by Adelaide.
The result gives Adelaide coach John Kosmina a pleasant selection headache for next weeks important clash with Melbourne Victory. Qu returns from suspension and Dodd returns from international duty. Their replacements in Burns, Petta and Kemp have performed strongly and hardly deserve being dropped to the bench.
Central Coast came away from Hindmarsh Stadium disappointed at not taking any points. Talking on Adelaide radio station 5RTI, goalkeeper Danny Vukovic said he thought Central Coast deserved to get something out of the game but in the end they were over run by Adelaide.
Angelo Costanzo had another great game for particularly in the first half when his defending kept Central Coast at bay. Kemp played well on his return to first team action from injury. Exciting youngster Nathan Burns thrilled the fans in the second half while goalkeeper Robbie Bajic and midfielder Bobby Petta were solid performers.
Goalkeeper Danny Vukovic was the pick of the Central Coast players.