The Phoenix have got their first ever win at Hindmarsh courtesy of a 33rd minute Chris Greenacre goal to wrap up a massive three points for the Wellington club in their 100th A-League game.
Adelaide had played in an energy-sapping 98% humidity on Wednesday but they burst out of the blocks with Dodd dragging a shot wide from a decent position inside the box.
The Phoenix hit back with a chance of their own immediately – Greenacre’s shot was cleared off the line in just the second minute, he then forced Galekovic into a save moments later with a sharp strike.
Adelaide had all the ball after the initial exchanges and they turned it into a good shooting chance for van Dijk, but Vukovic saved well.
Both sides then lost players to injury before the half hour mark. Lia was replaced by Daniel for the Phoenix, and Cassio was was withdrawn by Adelaide with a quad strain.
Rojas had looked sharp and in the 33rd minute he was the difference as the Phoenix took the lead. The young Kiwi picked the ball up on the right and whipped in a cross for Greenacre. Greenacre’s run was perfectly timed and his header flew past Galekovic from six yards.
Rojas and Greenacre combined again soon after. Rojas beat left back Bodrusic by the byline with one from the tricks reel then cut it back for Greenacre. This time his shot was straight at the keeper and Galekovic hung on.
Adelaide needed a spark and Paul Reid almost gave it to them right before half time. He battled through the Phoenix centre backs to a one on one, but Vukovic stood up superbly to block his finish.
The Reds needed to start the second half well. Instead, it was Wellington who nearly struck first, but Galekovic managed to tip over Ward’s dipping strike from distance early on.
He was forced into something similar on the hour mark when Brown connected well from slightly further out as the Phoenix went in search of a second.
United brought former Dutch international Slory on and he won his side a free kick in a dangerous area, but the Phoenix scrambled the set piece clear as they’d done all night.
Adelaide were pressing hard now and the home side thought they’d equalised when Dodd burst in behind Lochhead. Vukovic could only half save, then North’s goal line clearance crashed against the crossbar and away. The Reds could be forgiven for feeling it just wasn’t their night.
Van Dijk carved out a great chance on the edge of the area, but his left footed strike sliced just wide.
Dodd then found van Dijk brilliantly to give the Dutchman another chance, but this time he dragged a left footed strike wide from a tight angle.
The Phoenix hung on for the two minutes extra time to get their second away win of the season. They rode their luck at times, but Wellington won’t mind; the three points tonight could be enough to get them finals football for a second consecutive season.
Enjoy this content? Support The Football Sack
Due in part to COVID and lack of current sponsorship we are at risk of not having the funds to continue running The Football Sack. If you enjoy our content and support our work in training talented young writers, please support us with a donation. If every reader contributed just $3, our funding would be covered for over ten years.
| DONATE |