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 Surprisingly withdrawn on 65 minutes.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.

Michael Jakobsen- 7 

One of Adelaide’s best. Distributed the ball well

Scott Galloway- 7

Had the better of Akinson early. Found more of a challenge with the youngster Ramy Najjarine. Had a strike brilliantly saved late on.

Isaias- 6

137th appearance wasn’t one to remember. Distribution off a little and needed to take control once his side lost first-half momentum.

Vince Lia- 6 

Broke up play well early. Faded as the match wore on.

Ken Ilso- 2

Unsighted. Ineffective and gave the ball away cheaply. Looked lost. Was a spectator for virtually all the second half. Replaced late.

Nikola Mileusnic- 4

First start of season and had to score on 5minutes. Didn’t take advantage of the many positive situations in the attacking 3rd. Replaced at halftime. 

Craig Goodwin- 5

Quiet first half. Failed to score with an unchallenged header. Missed a second half chance from a tight angle.

 Ben Halloran- 6

Positive opening. His forward runs and speed stretched the City defence early. Not involved enough in the second half.

SUBS

Ryan Kitto- 6

Tried hard. Brought energy

Ryan Strain- N/A

Nathan Konstandopolous- N/A

MELBOURNE CITY

Eugene Galekovic- 9

Stunning save with 15 minutes to play to deny Galloway, then backed it up with another minutes later. Impeccable with the ball at his feet.

Ritchie De Laet- N/A

Good battle early with Goodwin. Injured and replaced on 20mins

Harrison Delbridge- 7

Good understanding with his CB partner. Cleared and defended well across the 90mins

Bart Schenkeveld- 9

Cleaned up any loose balls, tracked runners and was solid throughout. Best on the park.

Scott Jamieson- 6

Industrious as always. Tested through the 90mins.

Riley McGree- 6

Over hit his through-ball on two first half occasions. Better in the second half.

Kearyn Baccus-7

Controlled the tempo for City. Always an option for his teammates on the ball. Cut off passing lanes well. Received an early mark late on

Luke Brattan -6

Scored early in the second half, but was in and out of the match.

Dario Vidosic- 4

Didn’t get into the match and failed to have any influence

Nathan Akinson- 6

Forced to switch to right back after De Laet’s injury. Good block in the second half. 

Lachy Wales- 6

Caught Elsey napping in the second half, setting up Bratten for City’s second. Looked better in the latter half.

Subs

Ramy Najjarine- 6

Entered the fray on 20 minutes. Positive and tried to get on the front foot.

Rostyn Griffiths- N/A

Osama Malik- N/A