On the back of grounding the high-flying Jets, the Phoenix only made two changes, both of which came through injury. United boosted all three returning Olyroos into the starting line-up, with Michael Marrone dropping to the bench following the return of Garuccio and continued good form of Ryan Strain.

A well taken goal 32 minutes in from George Blackwood was enough for the visitors to take all three points. The home side threatened and came close on numerous occasions, but lacked the quality needed to find the back of the net.

Wellington Phoenix

Lewis Italiano - 6

Some sloppy goalkeeping to concede the goal. Made some smart saves and commanded his defensive line.

Scott Galloway – 5.5

Popped up with some smart runs to help his wingers. Found it hard to stop the threat of Ben Garuccio.

Andrew Durante – 6.5

The milestone man, making his 278th A-League appearance, showed some solid defensive work, but didn’t really catch the eye with anything.

Goran Paracki – 5

Looked shaky in a more central defensive role and failed to link up with his midfielders.

Tom Doyle - 6

Similar to Galloway, the fullback had a fairly strong defensive showing, but nothing in particular caught the eye.

Matthew Ridenton – 6

His quick ball movement played with the Adelaide midfield, but couldn’t find his attackers in any space for most of the game.

Michael McGlinchey – 5

A much better second half hid a slow and poor first half. Didn’t really catch the eye with any of his play.

Matija Ljuic - 6

Failed to live up to the high standards that have been set for him since arriving in New Zealand. Stayed strong on the ball when challenged by red shirts.

Adam Parkhouse - 6

Created chances for himself with some positive play, but couldn’t make it count when it needed to. Too many overhit crosses that failed to meet anyone in the box.

Andrija Kaludjerovic - 4

Never managed to get into the game after being hit with injury early on.

Nathan Burns – 7

Some really smart movement opened space for Burns and his teammates but lacked a clinical touch.

SUBS

Sarpreet Singh – 5.5

Showed his desire and hunger with a few pacey runs down the line, but couldn’t effect the game.

Alex Rufer – N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a rating.

Logan Rogerson – N/A

Didn’t have enough time to warrant a rating.

Adelaide United

Paul Izzo - 7

Showed why he was brought back into the startling eleven. Made some smart saves when his goal was in danger.

Ryan Strain – 6.5

Made some good and intelligent runs down the wing, but never managed to deliver a dangerous cross.

Jordan Elsey – 6.5

Stepped up to the skipper’s role with some no nonsense defending.

Ersan Gulum - 7

Completely solid as always. Saw the opportunity to clear the ball from defence early on, and minimized the threat on the United goal.

Ben Garuccio - 6

Showed his attacking smarts, whipping in some crosses, but failed to link up with his teammates. 

Nathan Konstandopoulos – 6

Strong midfield work, used his body well to shield the ball, and move it into dangerous positions for the attackers.

Daniel Adlung – 7

Stepped up to play the Isaias role effectively. Matched everything well, with some strong defensive work and classing passing.

Jordan O’Doherty – 6.5

Attracted some heavy tackles from Phoenix players with some exceptional fast feet. Good distribution and positive play.

Ryan Kitto - 5

Showed his eagerness to make an impact by making many positive runs in behind the Wellington defensive line.

George Blackwood - 7

Showed his desperation to find the net and did just that. Used what pace he has and a big frame to send United up 1-0.

Nikola Mileusnic - 6

Used his pace to cause havoc in behind the Phoenix defence but could rarely find a teammate with space.

SUBS

Mark Ochieng – N/A

Didn’t do enough to warrant a rating.

Apostolos Stamatelopoulos – N/A

Didn’t have enough time to warrant a rating.

Taylor Regan – N/A

Didn’t have enough time to warrant a rating.