Adelaide reclaims second spot
Posted
Updated
United players congratulate team-mate Sasa Ognenovski after he scored the opening goal. (Getty Images: Simon Cross)
Adelaide United defeated 10-man Sydney FC 2-0 in their round 12 A-League fixture at Hindmarsh Stadium in Adelaide on Saturday night.
It was an all-important game for the Reds having lost their past two A-League encounters and their second spot on the ladder, but they came into the game refreshed and it showed.
The Reds easily matched Sydney's intensity from the opening salvo and maintained the offensive pressure to head into half-time with a 1-0 lead, courtesy of a deftly curving Sasa Ognenovski free kick.
Sydney had the opportunity to set things right in the second half but it was Adelaide which capitalised on its lead with an immediate attempt on goal at the restart.
Referee Ben Williams sent Terry McFlynn from the field in the 61st minute - for what appeared to be abusive language - just as he was about to be replaced after injuring himself in a heavy tackle.
The red card was an indicator of things to come for Sydney and the players' frustration at spending so much time in their own half began to show through defensive lapses.
Travis Dodd scored Adelaide's second goal in the 78th minute, embarrassing defender Beau Busch as he looked to clear.
Dodd was denied another goal soon after with keeper Ivan Necevski putting his body on the line to stop a rocketing kick.
The Reds' defence was also tight with keeper Eugene Galekovic forced to save only one of Sydney's five attempts at goal.
It was not a happy return to Hindmarsh Stadium for Sydney coach John Kosmina with his team now recording just one win from seven outings.
The result puts Adelaide into second position on the competition ladder and Sydney in fourth, with two fixtures still to be played this weekend.
Search for news
ABC News Online takes a look at the big stories from 2008.
