McCormack brace helps 10-man City to gritty win over United

On-loan striker Ross McCormack hit a first-half double to help Melbourne City maintain their 100% start to the Hyundai A-League season with a classy 2-0 win over Adelaide United on Saturday night. 

In a quality contest, City’s hugely impressive start to the season continued with a brilliant defensive display and steely resolve across the park.

For their part, after a big week that included qualifying for the Westfield FFA Cup Final, the Reds were handed a first loss of the A-League campaign in front of a noisy 11,689 fans at Coopers stadium. 

STORY OF THE GAME

  • City were 2-0 up in the first 20 minutes thanks to their Scottish forward, on loan from Aston Villa.
  • The Reds pushed hard after the break as they pinned City back. 
  • City’s Osama Malik received his second yellow card after the hour mark to set up a grandstand finish. 
  • United dominated the final stages of the game as they tried to make their one-man advantage pay dividends. 
  • Stefan Mauk had a golden chance to finish United off with 10 mins to go, but prodded his effort wide. 

Matmour (Reds) and Muscat (City) tangle at Coopers

GOALS

McCormack (pen), City 11’: 0-1

Izzo was booked for a foul on Stefan Mauk which saw the penalty awarded and the Scot finished with ease. 

McCormack, City 16’: 0-2

McCormack won the foul and then curled a fabulous free-kick from just outside the box.