Following a clinical 3-1 victory over Western Sydney, Perth were on the search for further points to spark a run to consolidate finals football, but were no match for a diligent Adelaide United side.

It would have pleased Kenny Lowe that his side played with the attacking intensity they are known for from the offset, but the early positives shown by the Glory were outweighed by their poor defensive effort and lacklustre play following Andy Keogh’s goal.

Nikola Mileusnic and Isaias were the standout performers from Adelaide United in a 2-1 win, running a rampant display against a Glory side whom were ineffective beyond Diego Castro.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo 6 –

Potentially could have done better when facing Keogh’s header but was composed in handling Perth’s effort at the end.

Ryan Strain 7 –

Impressive, as he has been in recent weeks, both in striving forward and in his defensive work. His inviting crosses proved difficult on numerous occasions for the Glory defence.

Jordan Elsey 6.5 –

Impressively composed in cutting out Perth’s more opportune attacks but his long balls let him down at times. A strong showing was ended early as he unfortunately was substituted due to a concussion.

Ersan Gulum 6 –

Fought well and always sought to push his team forward with mixed results.

Ben Garuccio 6 –

Was a constant nuisance for the Perth defence in seeking to push forward but lacked an end product.

Isaias 9 –

Leads the Alex Tobin Award rankings for a reason as demonstrated by his classy movement and fantastic play throughout. Released Mileusnic exquisitely for Adelaide’s second of the night, notching an assist.

Daniel Adlung 7 –

Clever throughout with his passing and touches, always seeking to play through his wingers.

Jordan O’Doherty 6.5 –

Largely anonymous in the first half, but improved in linking up with his team in the second half. Challenged on the ball wholeheartedly and provided relief when needed.

Ryan Kitto 6 –

Should have done better with a clear chance in the first half, but was dynamic in his movement throughout.

Nikola Mileusnic 9 –

Fantastic work in the lead up to Strain’s cross for the equaliser and was composed in finishing past Liam Reddy. The Man of the Match was consistent in his unrelenting movement in the front third, capitalising on a dire Perth effort.

George Blackwood 6 –

Positioned well on many occasions but was unable to get a goal to his name.

Substitutes

Taylor Regan 7 –

Provided passion and poise when Adelaide needed it most, clearing and intercepting when Perth rallied towards the conclusion of the match.

Michael Marrone N/A –

Barely had time to influence the match.

Nathan Konstandopoulos N/A –

Barely had time to influence the match.

Perth Glory

Liam Reddy 6 –

Played an important role with his many saves, preventing the scoreline from being significantly higher.

Scott Neville 6 –

Seemed to be the only member of the Glory backline that showed any focus defensively at times. Delivered a fantastic lofted cross for Keogh to open the scoring.

Dino Djulbic 4 –

At the centre of a controversial (and unconventional) back heel in the first half which arguably should have resulted in a penalty for Adelaide. Djulbic struggled to handle Blackwood, resulting in his own goal. Appeared slow and unnecessarily kept Mileusnic onside for his goal.

Shane Lowry 5 –

Seemed to have words with Djulbic prior to kick off, which may have set the tone for their poor partnership throughout the ninety.

Marc Warren 4 –

Found difficulty in handling Mileusnic, opting to sit further back on occasions when Perth required outlets. Challenged poorly and was deservedly substituted.

Neil Kilkenny 5 –

Lacked ambition in his play, but provided support at times to allow Perth to reshape.

Xavi Torres 4 –

Clearly grew frustrated throughout as his play became ineffectual. This was evidenced in no clearer moment than when he poorly handled a potential late equaliser.

Joel Chianese 5 –

Barely influenced the match having rarely had a touch on the ball, although this can largely be attributed to his constant defensive work.

Chris Harold 5 –

Linked up well with Scott Neville for Keogh’s opener, but was kept at bay from then on.

Diego Castro 7 –

Intelligent play throughout, typical of Castro’s game. Appeared to be intent on replicating his performance last week and therefore came closest to changing the game for Perth.

Andy Keogh 6 –

A well taken header in the first half was his brightest moment as he sought to link up with his midfield

Substitutes –

Mitch Nichols 6 –

Was provided with a large chunk of time to affect the game, which he did to an extent.

Alex Grant 6 –

Brought on and provided defensive solidity in order to reissue the ball to the likes of Castro.

Jacob Italiano 6.5 –

Attempted to encourage significant play in the front third from his introduction. Mishandled a late header and thus still has to wait for his “youngest ever goalscorer” accolade.