The Original Rivalry was back with a vengeance to decide who would progress to play the premiers Sydney FC next Saturday night. Melbourne Victory came out on top and flexed their finals muscle.
ADELAIDE UNITED
Paul Izzo – 6
Not called into any serious action until it was 1-1 and he denied Berisha brilliantly. Couldn’t do anything when Berisha smashed a volley past him to win the game.
Michael Marrone – 6
Barbarouses got in behind him in the opening stages as he tried to contribute to his sides attack when the opportunities arose. Got beaten for the equalizer by a charging Leroy George.
Ersan Gulum – 7
Had an ongoing battle with Besart Berisha and got the better of the Kosovan for most of the night. Flicked on a few headers in set-piece situations.
Jordan Elsey – 6.5
Kept the attacking quartet quiet with the help of Ersan Gulum and made a nuisance of himself. Couldn’t stop the Victory’s leading man from scoring the winner as he stood Elsey all ends up.
Ben Garuccio – 6
Crucial tackle to deny Leroy George a shooting opportunity just after the half-hour. Had a task of dealing with the Victory’s wingmen who constantly changed sides.
Isaias – 7.5
Wonderful through ball which made Lawrence Thomas come out to a contest which almost created a chance for Adelaide. The ever present pendulum pulled out a glorious ball to set speedster Nikola Mileusnic off and he didn’t waste the opportunity.
Daniel Adlung – 6
Whipped in corner after corner but his side couldn’t take advantage. Found Gulum with a free-kick who flicked it on with his head but it fell just wide. Closed down for the full 90 minutes but it wasn’t enough.
Nathan Konstandopoulos – 6.5
Almost chested his side to the lead on 28 minutes from a corner. Was a pest throughout and helped Adelaide in the battle of the midfield. Came off on 80 minutes for Vince Lia.
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