Wanderers suffered their first loss of the 2017-18 season in controversial circumstances, with Robbie Cornthwaite receiving a second yellow card in the first half after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

Cornthwaite's second booking was for handball inside the box, also gifting the Reds a penalty which Baba Diawara missed.

However, the VAR had more work to do late in the first half when Ryan Kitto scored, although Diawara appeared offside and interfering with play, yet the goal stood.

"The ref has made a decision, we have to accept it," Thwaite told Fox Sports.

"They've got the VAR to reference by so we've got to get on with it."

Referee Chris Beath handed out five yellow cards to Wanderers players in the first-half, with Cornthwaite booked initally after 15 minutes, before his 21st minute sending off.

"To be honest, I never like a game when theyre pulling out yellows," Thwaite said.

"It makes it difficult for them, because then they've got to make tough decsions with some tackles."

Thwaite added: "I think it was an even game and we did well with 10 men.

"I think we controlled a lot of the possesion today even with 10 men.

"We're still learning (Josep) Gombau's structures and we had some goal scoring opportunities. Full credit to Adelaide."