Tomi Juric scored three penalties to guide Adelaide United to a 3-2 victory over the Central Coast Mariners at home.
Adelaide started the game dominating possession 74% to 26% and were close to creating some dangerous chances.
That was until Daniel Da Silva pounced on a poor back-pass from Jordan Elsey and put the Mariners ahead 1-0 inside the opening 20 minutes.
With a goal under their belt the Mariners began finding their stride and nearly hit the back of the net again when Oliver Bozanic unleashed a longe range shot that rattled the woodwork.
Although Central Coast started taking control of the game, a contentious penalty was awarded to the Reds following Ruon Tongyik’s tackle on Stefan Mauk.
Tomi Juric stepped up to the penalty spot and levelled the game 1-1, restoring the confidence United had at the beginning of the match.
At a goal apiece, both sides were determined to gain an edge to start the second half.
Cult hero Matt Simon made sure Adelaide knew the Mariners were up for the challenge when he ploughed into Javi Lopez and sent the United faithful into a frenzy.
Moments later, he would hurt the Reds on the scoreboard too when substitute, Alou Kuol got on the end of Simon’s sublime throw in and pummelled the ball off the post to give Central Coast a 2-1 lead.
After the goal, United found their second wind and started pressing forward against the Mariners defence.
Their attacking pressure would eventually pay off when Josh Nisbet made a clumsy tackle, giving the Reds their second penalty of the night.
Once again Juric would score from the spot and level the game, 2-2.
After Central Coast earned a promising free-kick near their 18-yard box, VAR was used to check a goalline scramble.
The Mariners worst fears had come true and the Reds were awarded yet another penalty for a hand-ball.
With a hattrick in sight, Juric slotted home his third penalty of the night to give Adelaide a late 3-2 lead, sending the Adelaide faithful into a wild celebration.
It was a night full of crazy events at Hindmarsh but the Reds held on to upset the league-leading Mariners 3-2.
Adelaide climb to fifth following the dramatic win while the Mariners remain top of the A-League standings.
Adelaide United: 3
Central Coast Mariners: 2
Adelaide United: James Delianov (GK), Javi Lopez, Jordan Elsey, George Timotheou, Noah Smith, Ben Halloran, Louis D’Arrigo, Stefan Mauk (Toure), Joe Caletti, Yaya Dukuly (Niyongabire), Tomi Juric (Yengi)
Subs: Joe Gauci (GK), Jonny Yull, Yared Abetew, Mohammed Toure, Kusini Yengi, Michael Marrone, Pacifique Niyongabire
Central Coast Mariners: Mark Birighitti (GK), Jack Clisby, Kye Rowles, Ruon Tongyik, Stefan Nigro, Oliver Bozanic, Daniel Da Silva, Jaden Casella (Bouman), Michal Janota (Nisbet), Matt Simon, Marco Urena (Kuol)
Subs: Adam Pearce (GK), Josh Nisbet, Alou Kuol, Daniel Hall, Lewis Miller, Daniel Bouman, Max Balard
Referee: Adam Fielding
Venue: Coopers Stadium
Feature image credit: Jordan Trombetta
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