Andrew Hoole's beautifully curled shot in the 38th minute shocked the home side and dispelled any thoughts that the Mariners were a spent force or just here to make up the numbers.

Many United players were guilty of terrible distribution of the ball, notably Marco Kurz gave Paul Izzo a spray as he wasn’t happy with three or four sloppy clearances. The Mariners came to play football, showing good intent to press and move the ball quickly in the final third, using the wings well.

Adelaide displayed more intent in their play in the second-half, moving the ball quicker and were rewarded with an equaliser in the 68th minute from Isaias Sanchez, with an easy tap in six yards out.

Ben Kennedy had an inspiring game between the sticks, keeping the Mariners in the match but his defence let him down as Scott Galloway's driving run into the twelve yard box gave George Blackwood his first goal of the season, a header from six yards out.

Adelaide United deserved the 2-1 win as the Mariners faded late in the second half, allowing the Reds to dominate.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo. – 6

Sloppy attempt at clearing the ball three times early, then couldn’t do anything about Andrew Hoole's strike. Admittedly, pulled off a strong save late in the second-half. Overall, not his best game.

Scott Galloway – 8

Great clearance off the line with his head. Good pressing in the final third. Solid defending, having a good battle with Millar. Powerful driving run into the Mariners' penalty area late on to earn United the winning goal from Blackwood's header.

Fantastic performance, showed great energy to the end.

Michael Jakobsen – 7

Welcomed back after suspension, taking one in the head from Andrew Hoole's shot. Recovered to perform well in defence.

Jordan Elsey – 7.5

Had a clear chance to bury the ball with a header in the first 10 minutes. Solid defending getting in the right places at the right time, displayed good concentration throughout the 90 minutes.

Ryan Strain – 7

Wayward passing in dangerous areas, trying to relieve the pressure from the Mariners early on. Penetrating runs into the final third and carried himself deep into the penalty area, causing VAR to get involved due to a hand-ball the Reds claimed. Decent match overall.

Nathan Konstandopoulos – 6

Good intent to move the ball forward but guilty of giving the ball away a couple of times. Didn’t make any real impact.

Vince Lia – 6

Guilty of giving the ball away twice. Didn’t really shine. Subbed.

Isaias Sanchez – 7

Scored United's equaliser, a tap in from six yards out.

Craig Goodwin – 6

Sloppy start, getting caught with the ball in defence and offering poor distribution in the final third.

Redeemed himself with a powerful shot, but Kye Rowles saved the day. Better second-half but Mariners were fading, which allowed him space and time. Not his best game over the 90 minutes.

Ben Halloran – 6.5

Working hard, dropping deep to pick up the ball. Another Reds player guilty of indifference. Headed wide from Goodwin's cross, should have scored but not meant to be. 

Nikola Mileusnic – 7

Displayed good pace down the right-hand side but needs to send his crosses with more flight. Decent strike in the second half but straight into Kennedy’s gloves. Solo run got himself into a good position but once again straight into the keepers' gloves. 

Subs

Ryan Kitto – 6

On for Mileusnic, no real impact upon coming on.

Ken Ilso – 6

On for Vince Lia at half-time. Not a player who inspires when he comes on the pitch.

George Blackwood – 7

On for Ben Halloran. Lovely body roll but disappointing toe poke. Scores the winning goal after latching onto Galloway cross and heading the ball in from six yards out.

You can see that when he plays, he does create space and gives United more variety up front. Can only get better.

Central Coast Mariners

Ben Kennedy – 8

Fantastic save coming off his line quickly to deny Goodwin. Showed brilliant ability and concentration, keeping Adelaide from scoring any-more than two, but he couldn’t do anything about United's equaliser from Isaias' tap in.

The Mariners' late lapse in defending let him down due to all the hard work he showed.

Jonathan Aspropotamitis – 6.5

Going about his business in defence but struggled towards the business end of the match.

Kye Rowles – 8

Fantastic save from Goodwin's shot, read the play so well, clearing the ball off the line.

Solid in defence throughout the first half. Always in the right place at the right time. The best of the Mariners defence - overall an inspiring performance.

Aiden O’Neill – 5.5

Careless high boot midway through the first-half and a reckless body check when the ball was going straight to his 'keeper. Needs to learn more discipline.

Matt Millar – 7.5

Solid crossing and a great run into the final third, but sloppy pass into no-man’s land. Showed good pace throughout. Great opportunity early in the second-half but headed straight to Paul Izzo.

Jacob Melling – 6.5

Worked hard in midfield but appeared tired.

Andrew Hoole – 6.5

Over hit his passes but what a strike outside the penalty area, curling into the top right-hand side of Izzo's goal. Got caught with the ball in the final third, trying to do too much. 

Tom Hiariej - 6

Solid tackle early to put his stamp on the midfield, but no real presence or impact.

Connor Pain – 7

Tracking well to get back and help out in defence. Poor shot late in the second-half. Tried in the second-half but Adelaide showed their ability to play a higher tempo.

Jordan Murray – 6.5

Looks lively early on, trying to get behind the Reds defence. Had his work cut out in late in the second-half as United pressed more.

Matt Simon – 7.5

Fantastic attempt at goal raising above United's defence with a strong header. Tirelessly worked upfront, putting himself about. 

Endless amount of energy and had a decent match. Shame his teammates didn’t show this.

Subs

Jack Clisby – 6

On for Murray, but not on long enough.

Michael McGlinchey – 6

On for Hoole. No real statements, one decent cross from the corner. His job was made difficult by tiring teammates.

Joshua Nisbet – 6

On for Melling. Decent control of the ball and generally lively.