Adelaide United started like they thought it was just a formality, but had to fight every inch of the way to beat Central Coast Mariners 2-1 at Hindmarsh Stadium.
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.
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