The real spectacle at the Adelaide Oval were the two firecracker goals midfielder Vince Lia scored for the Reds.

Nearly without a club prior to the season beginning, Lia was given a lifeline by new coach Marco Kurz and the 32-year-old has already given back with a brace against the old rival… but how did Lia rate in this match?

ADELAIDE UNITED

Paul Izzo (GK) – 6.5

Wasn’t kept overly busy throughout the night; he was let down by his defence for the first goal and blindsided for the second. Made a few handy saves and occasionally looked to release quickly.

Michael Marrone – 7

Marrone was a constant presence on the right; always on the front foot and in the eyesight of his opposition down the flanks. He was sound defensively and showed a good tank to run all night.

Ersan Gulum – 6.5

The new recruit is forming a solid partnership with Jordan Elsey in defence and it showed prominently in the second half, clearing most of the danger which came their way.

Jordan Elsey – 6

Playing out from the back is not his strong suit. Tried too many times to play long balls forward which were beyond his capabilities and occasionally mistimed clearances which led to Victory chances, but Marco Kurz will be happy with the overall game of the stopper.

Ben Garuccio – 6.5

At times looked overwhelmed by the Barbarouses-Geria double act down Victory’s right side and some of his balls into midfield were rushed and aimless, but also rarely made a mistake and kept it away from the opposition. The left-back rarely blundered his crosses and enjoyed an attacking second half, being able to roam freely as Victory sat back.

Isaias (c) – 7.5

The maestro in midfield was clattered several times and didn’t have too much of the ball in the first half, but when he did he was spreading it long, wide and accurately to put Adelaide in good positions. His work defensively to anchor the entire Adelaide team is why he’s arguably the best defensive midfielder in the league.

Vince Lia – 8

You wouldn’t have noticed him had he not scored two thunderous goals, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Lia worked for a greater cause in midfield with Isaias and Adlung to keep Adelaide in constant motion, to continually pressure the Victory and to take them out of the game. He actually began the game poorly and should’ve been more accountable in getting in the way of the cross for Berisha’s header but redeemed himself with two peaches and a mountain of work.