After last week’s dismantling of a weakened Newcastle Jets side, Adelaide looked to solidify their place for finals football with a strong showing against Wellington.

Johan Absalonsen’s return to Adelaide has been pivotal to the side’s recent determined form and he earned another goal due to some haphazard Wellington defensive effort, whom were largely tough to breach due to goalkeeper Oliver Sail’s exceptional six saves in the first half.

A sensational second half performance from Adelaide helped them to a comfortable win, with Ben Garrucio and Nathan Konstandopoulos the standouts. Even more positive news for Adelaide was the great crowd turnout in the lead up to Finals football

Wellington were mainly consigned to long balls towards their forwards until the introduction of Logan Rogerson. The winger notched a goal back for Wellington late in the second half, earning a penalty and taking the resulting, as he described it post-match, “dodgy” spot kick.

The performances of Rogerson, Sarpreet Singh and Liberato Cacace in recent weeks must have interim Nix coach Chris Greenacre considering playing the youngsters to inspire the Nix out of earning the wooden spoon in the final few rounds of the A-League.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo — 6 

Kept mainly busy by sweeping up for his team (as he rarely faced a Wellington attack) which he did intelligently. Completely mistimed his punch for Ljujic’s cross and nearly made up for his lapse by getting a foot to Rogerson’s penalty.

Michael Marrone  — 7

Had all the time in the world when setting up Absalonsen’s header with a precise cross and performed well throughout.

Jordan Elsey  — 7

Sent sumptuous floated balls around the pitch to push his wingers forward and diligently defended with poise throughout the contest.

Ersan Gulum  — 6

Challenged with grit when he needed to but should have handled Rogerson better when fouling him in the box. Compared to his centre-back partner’s positive distribution, some of his passes were overhit and wasteful.

Ben Garuccio  — 9

Proactively sought to push forward and create chances for his teammates, moving impressively in tight areas to keep possession. An absolutely incredibly taken effort that involved a cheeky nutmeg in the lead up. Sent the ball in to the box that lead to some chaotic Wellington defending and Adelaide’s third of the night.