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.

Isaias  — 7

Calmness on the ball typifies Isaias’ game, which he displayed fully against a Wellington side that sat back. Played the perfect ball to Marrone in the lead up to Adelaide’s first goal.

Daniel Adlung  — 7

Despite Absalonsen earning much of the plaudits, Adlung has been essential to Adelaide’s better moments this season. Against Wellington he demonstrated his desire to push forward at every opportunity, resulting in a few delightful long range drives from the German.

Nathan Konstandopoulos  — 8

An energetic display against Wellington defensively in winning the ball in midfield on many occasions. Breached the lines and drove through the space afforded to him, being rewarded with a goal to put Adelaide 3-0 up.

Ryan Kitto  — 6

Full of uncontainable pace, which he used effectively throughout the match.

Johan Absalonsen  — 7

Forced a lot of fouls by the Wellington defence and when given space by said lackadaisical defence he buried his header efficiently.

George Blackwood  — 5

Struggled to fashion quality chances and was replaced by Diawara.

Substitutes

Tarek Elrich  — 6

His 100th appearance in a Reds kit, coming on to a great applause in a stadium he may not call home next season.

Baba Diawara  — 6

Injuries have downed him for much of the season and on his return he was mainly consigned to hassling the Nix defence.

Vince Lia  — 6

Worked hard to prevent Wellington’s positive work towards the end of the match.

 

Wellington Phoenix

Oliver Sail  — 6

Saved brilliantly against Adlung’s blistering shot, as well as Kitto’s high drive. Left stranded by his defence from Absalonsen’s goal and was ultimately Wellington’s best player on the pitch beyond Rogerson.

Scott Galloway  — 4.5

Seemed to become frustrated early onwards facing up against Absalonsen and despite his keeping possession to provide Wellington when the pressure was on, Galloway struggled to handle Adelaide’s dynamic movement.

Andrew Durante  — 5

A difficult 90 minutes for the Nix captain whose woes were exacerbated by the lack of quality from those around him.

Dylan Fox  — 5.5

Despite being on the end of a 3-0 loss, Fox was brave and never pulled out of a challenge as he sought to inspire his teammates.

Tom Doyle  — 4

Gave the ball away poorly at times, especially when the correct ball would have led to a Wellington counter attack.

Goran Paracki — 5

Rarely given time to provide relief for his team and was maligned to retreating back constantly, to which he added little assistance to the defence when he did come back.

Matthew Ridenton  — 4

A poor performance on his return to the squad from national team duty, turning over the ball unnecessarily on several occasions.

Matija Ljujic  — 5

Rarely sighted beyond sending a beckoning chance in the box at the end of the first half to cause a rare instance of trouble for Adelaide.

Roy Krishna  — 6

Fantastic build up play at times to bring his team in to the game, unlucky to hit the post from an early deflected chance.

Nathan Burns  — 4

Wily when given the chance on the ball, but rarely appeared to look to test Adelaide. Spurned a late chance in what has been a relatively unimpressive return to Wellington.

Andrija Kaluderovic  — 5

Continued his lack of goal proficiency away from home, which was compounded by a chance being saved well by Izzo

Substitutes

Logan Rogerson  — 7

Competed well and caused issues for Adelaide with his determination. Earned a penalty and brushed aside the claims for it from his fellow players to score from the spot. Definitely warrants a start from his efforts the last two weeks.

Sarpreet Singh  — 6 

Looked to change the game with his speed and dribbling but could not change much.

Michael McGlinchey  — 6.5

Provided Burns with the chance to spark some sort of an opportunity, but the chance was missed. Worked well in attack when he came.