Adelaide came away from Coopers Stadium with a 1-0 victory, which was enough to propel them into the top four. While Central Coast created chances but lacked class in the front third.

It was a great contest despite the warm conditions and some beautiful play on the right wing saw Ryan Kitto finish a brilliant Ryan Strain cross to score the sole goal of the night.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo (GK) - 8

Superb first period making point-blank stops with remarkable reflexes to keep the Mariners at bay.

Ryan Strain - 8.5

Expert ball in for Kitto to capitalise on for the lead. Was alert and composed defensively. One of Adelaide’s best on the park.

Taylor Regan - 6

Headed clearance, decent effort in the first half.

Jordan Elsey - 8

Adelaide’s best defender in the first half, thwarted Mariners attack several times, threw his body in front and also recovered well.

Ben Garuccio - 6

Pressured and provided accurate passing. Did well with the ball and got into good situations but couldn’t execute the delivery.

 

Vince Lia - 5.5

Had a quiet first half, and his goal-bound effort was blocked.

Isaias - 8.5

Delightful on the ball, nice releases to his teammates. Pulled the strings in midfield once again.

Daniel Adlung - 7

Good defensively with a cleared free-kick, made vital interceptions and strong challenges.

Nikola Mileunsic – 7.5

Great cross in early in the first half. Brilliant work down the right to work with Strain for the first goal.

George Blackwood - 4

Missed opportunity as his run was late.

Ryan Kitto - 7.5

Switched play well and made great runs especially the one into the box to slot away beautifully and take the lead.

SUBS

Nathan Konstandopoulos – N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a fair rating.

Mark Ochieng - 6

Good chance off of Garuccio’s cross but no contact was made. Tried to make an impact with the time he had on the field.

Michael Marrone - N/A

Wasn’t on long enough to warrant a fair rating.

 

Central Coast Mariners

Ben Kennedy (GK) - 7

Vital save on Kitto’s strike before half-time. Kitto’s strike was unstoppable.

Storm Roux - 7

An eventful return to action. Made important intervention after Isaias ball in, great awareness.

Alan Baro - 5.5

Poor defensively on Kitto’s goal. Slight improvement in the second half to keep Adelaide from doubling their advantage.

Antony Golec - 4

Poor on first goal. Nice threaded pass from up the pitch.

Josh Rose - 5

Allowed Mileusnic too much space. Did well to clear Adlung’s bullet header off the line.

 

Tom Hiariej - 6

Decent first half, looked a little rusty. Improved in the second half.

Andrew Hoole - 6

Worked well with De Silva, wasn’t able to make a huge impact. No risk taken in the second half with playing the ball back and United were able to cut their attack short.

Daniel De Silva - 7.5

Positioned deeper than usual, Kept possession well. Good vision to pass in to Hoole. Knocked ball around well. Could easily ask why he wasn’t played more forward between the lines.

Kwabena Appiah - 7

Looked dangerous on the wing, sharp movement. Terrific and came alive with a few chances on goal

Blake Powell - 5.5

Lively start, tried a header that was saved by Izzo. No impact was made on the scoresheet.

Connor Pain - 5

Couldn’t do much in the early stages and was read too easily. Put in a teasing cross for Powell but goes out of reach for the forward.

SUBS

Kye Rowles - 5

Great first time ball for Pain to get a shot on goal.

Asdrubal – N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a fair rating.

Trent Buhagiar - 5

Headed over Rowles’ cross.