Archie Goodwin’s 8th goal of the season proved to be the difference as Adelaide United defeated Melbourne City 1-0 at Coopers Stadium.
Melbourne City certainly bossed the first-half but roles were reversed in the second as Adelaide opened the scoring in the 52nd minute thanks to a brilliant header from striker Archie Goodwin.
The result brings an end to Adelaide United’s two-game winless run in the competition and moves Carl Veart’s side back to within two points of league-leaders Auckland FC.
As for Melbourne City, Aurelio Vidmar’s side have now suffered three-straight losses in the Isuzu UTE A-League and remain outside the top six.
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An aggressive start from Melbourne City saw them force Reds keeper Ethan Cox into the first save of the game in the 10th minute as he smothered a fierce Ben Mazzeo shot from the edge of the box.
Looking to provoke a reaction from his side after what was a somewhat slow start, Adelaide midfielder Stefan Mauk was shown a yellow card for a late challenge on City keeper Patrick Beach which incensed the opposition backline.
City youngster Lawrence Wong then fired over from inside the box as the visitors controlled the opening half-hour of the contest at Coopers Stadium.
Asking all the questions, City defender Samuel Souprayen then headed over the bar from close range as the Reds senior contingent headed off the pitch at half-time holding a mini inquest as to why they’d yet to get going.
Adelaide boss Carl Veart introduced Yaya Dukuly in place of Ben Folami at the break in an effort to spark his side into action and before long they found the breakthrough.
Peeling away from his man, striker Goodwin leapt high into the night sky to flick Zac Clough’s corner into the back of the net to send Coopers Stadium into raptures, and they almost then had a second.
Connecting with a cross into the box from Dukuly, Clough first saw his stabbed effort saved by Beach before he then sent the rebound crashing back off the bar allowing City to scramble the ball away.
Now the team with all the energy and attacking intent, Adelaide saw another glorious chance go begging as they couldn’t turn the ball home in the 59th minute following a goalmouth scramble.
Goodwin then looked to add his second of the game in the 72nd minute but sent his left-footed shot straight at keeper Beach when baring down on goal.
20-year-old Ryan White then took aim from distance as he looked to wrap up the win in spectacular fashion but his shot went high into the stand and City looked to mount a late comeback.
Rampaging full-back Dylan Pierias then came close to icing the game but his powerful effort was brilliantly palmed away by Beach.
The result sees Adelaide return to winning ways and close the gap to Auckland FC at the top whilst Melbourne City remain without a win at Coopers Stadium since 2018.
