Reds score a 92nd winner in the first ever ALM pride game

Different match day, same Adelaide United as the Reds conceded first and found yet another dramatic winner against the Central Coast Mariners.

After an embarrassing 4-1 defeat to Macarthur FC last week, the Reds made numerous defensive changes with George Timotheou making way for Jacob Tratt, along with Josh Cavallo and Juande playing the defensive midfielder role over Louis D’Arrigo and Zac Clough. 

Adelaide were all over the Mariners, and they had their opportunity in the 23rd minute as Lachie Brook was dragged down in the box by Jacob Farrel, but Socceroo Craig Goodwin could not convert from the penalty spot for the second time this season.  

And the Mariners capitalised, as Brook – who was the hero moments ago – was the villain in this instance after he sent a hospital ball into the sky, that Nkololo brilliantly gathered and, in his second consecutive game, put it into the back of the net to put his team 1-0 ahead.  

It was Brook, however, who was the main man for the Reds all first half, as he terrorised the Mariners along the right side, but time after time he was unable to receive reward for effort. 

The second half started with scrappy, sloppy and plain ugly football, but United’s goal poacher in Hiroshi Ibusuki found the back of the net early on to level the game. 

It was a much-needed equaliser for the Reds who had been relatively outplayed all night on their own deck. 

And the second half was much the same for the home team, as the Mariners played well above their quota, consistently punishing the Red’s defence. 

And then, it happened again. 

Again, and again, and again this Adelaide side have refused to be defeated, and yet again they found a way to score a last-minute equaliser. 

This time Nestory Irankunda found a 92nd minute winner to put the Reds in front and send off their captain Stefan Mauk with a win in his last game. 

It also puts Adelaide firmly into the top four for the time being, with a well needed three points for the home side. 

Adelaide United: 2 (Ibusuki 52’, Irankunda 92′)

Central Coast Mariners: 1 (N’Kololo 35’)

Coopers Stadium 

Referee: Adam Kersey  

Assistant Referees: Matthew Cream, Henry Day  

Fourth Official: Daniel Cook 

Adelaide United: Joe GAUCI (GK), Ryan KITTO, Stefan MAUK ( c )(Louis D’ARRIGO 84’), Craig GOODWIN, Hiroshi IBUSUKI (Mohamed TOURE 71’), Javi LOPEZ, Jacob TRATT, Lachlan BARR, Josh CAVALLO (Nestory IRANKUNDA 84’), JUANDE, Lachlan Brook (Zac CLOUGH 63’)  

Unused subs: Steven HALL (GK), George BLACKWOOD, Alexandar POPOVIC 

Central Coast Mariners: Mark BIRIGHITTI (GK), Lewis MILLER, Joshua NISBET (Maximilen BALARD 86′), Oliver BOZANIC (C), Jason CUMMINGS, Beni N’KOLOLO, (Damian TSEKENIS 69′), Marcos URENA (Cy GODDARD 87’), Kye ROWLES, Jacob FARRELL (Matheus MORESCHE 68’), Dan HALL, Nicolai MULLER (Noah SMITH 64’) 

Unused subs: Lawrence CARUSO (gk), Harrison STEELE, Ruon TONGYIK 

Feature Image Credit: Jordan Trombetta