Adelaide United took on Melbourne City at Hindmarsh stadium Sunday afternoon, their last match before Christmas. 

Both teams were looking to bounce back after away defeats in Round 7, so it was fitting that the mid-table clash started with the two sides separated by just one point, in what would be the 26th meeting between the two sides.

United made a lively start, dominating the opening 25 minutes but remarkably it was City who took the lead through a Jordan Elsey own goal.

The defender sliced his clearance into his own net from six yards out. Adelaide should have levelled through Goodwin on the stroke of half time, but it was City who went into the break with a one goal advantage, despite not registering a shot on target. 

Adelaide made a change at half time but it was City who started the half better, adding a second goal when Elsey's poor touch allowed Lachy Wales to set up Brattan, who made no mistake from the edge of the area.

The home crowd never had a chance to get into the match as Adelaide struggled to put City under any real pressure as the game wore on. Galekovic made two good saves in the last quarter hour as City looked to sit deeper, but Adelaide never looked likely.

City's away win will give them confidence heading into the Melbourne Derby next week, while Adelaide haven’t keep a home clean sheet in 10 matches. Melbourne leave The City of Churches 2-0 winners.

ADELAIDE UNITED

Paul Izzo- 6

First goal took him by surprise and he will be disappointed he couldn’t keep Brattan’s strike out.

Michael Marrone -7

Reliable as always. Brilliant cross on stroke of halftime which Goodwin should have scored. Surprisingly withdrawn on 65 minutes.

Jordan Elsey- 3

Gifted City both goals. Poor technique trying to clear with the outside of his boot, turning the ball into his own net. Poor touch led to City’s 2nd goal. Night to forget.