Adelaide United returned home after over a month and was looking to return to early season form after a horrid 4 match losing streak and playing dismal football recently. The Reds needed a positive story to end the week, after coach Verbeek had openly criticised players and the club recently and a win was needed to bring the squad back together.
Their opponents for the match, fierce rival Melbourne Victory were also looking to improve on what’s been a bad season, with only 4 wins, they wanted to end the week positively after the unexpectedly sacking of their coach Marco Kurz.
A crowd of just over 11,000 turned up on a cool Friday night to witness the 2 side’s battle it out. The first half of play was dominated with possession football predominantly in the middle of the park, with The Reds leading the way. The half was filled with dismal footballing errors and poor passing and finishes by both sides, looking well suited to bottom end sides rather than title contenders.
In the ninth minute the Victory were awarded what looked like a certain penalty, as the referee blew his whistle and pointed to the square. With a delay and review by VAR the decision was over turned, no penalty no handball by Elsey, this left Victory players and away fans furious but nothing could be done. The only goal of the match would come in the 28th minute when Ben O’Halloran put away a cleared shot from McGree, which was deflected his way by keeper Thomas.
The second half was a slight improvement in skill level, but filled with parochial finishes by both sides, lots of miskicks and air ball finishes at times, had me wondering if I was watching A League or amateur hour. No goals would come in the second half, with the Reds predominately sitting in defence as the Victory attacked led by Elvis Kamsoba and Nabbout. Adelaide had broken its losing streak.
Next up they travel to Parramatta and Wanderland, a battle of 5 and 6 in the ladder, both teams looking for wins and to keep finals action alive.

Article Written by Cosi Dichiera
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