Adelaide United have surged into second spot after a convincing 3-0 win over Brisbane Roar at Coopers Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Reds took the lead midway through the first stanza via the in-form Bruce Kamau before doubling their advantage just five minutes into the second half through Bruce Djite.
Substitute Pablo Sanchez completed the rout with an easy finish in the final 10 minutes to cap an impressive performance for the hosts in front of over 12,700 fans at Coopers.
GOALS
1-0 (Bruce Kamau 38’)
Reds midfielder Stefan Mauk picked up the ball in space before sliding a beautifully weighted ball in behind for Sergio Cirio. The Spaniard controlled before expertly before cutting the ball back to Kamau who calmly slotted the ball past the helpless Theo.
2-0 (Bruce Djite 50’)
Roar midfielder Corona turned the ball over cheaply inside his own half before Reds flyer Bruce Kamau picked the ball up on the edge of the area. He fired a strike on goal which could only be parried by Michael Theo with Bruce Djite slotting home the rebound from close range.
3-0 (Pablo Sanchez 81’)
Matt McKay and Javi Hervas both turned the ball over on the edge of their own area before the ball fell kindly for Djite. The striker fired a shot which Theo could only palm away before falling to the onrushing Sanchez who made no mistake, firing into an empty net.
KEY MOMENT
The Roar struggled to create clear-cut chances against the Reds but had a glorious chance to get back into the contest with 20 minutes remaining. Brandon Borrello whipped a lovely ball across the face of goal which found Maclaren, but the striker fired his shot straight into a Reds defender from close range.
HIGHLIGHTS REEL
Young gun Bruce Kamau was touted as the replacement for Awer Mabil this season and the youngster is finally starting to live up to his potential. The 20-year-old was instrumental in both the Reds’ goals and his directness on the ball caused the Roar problems throughout the contest. A delightful back heel from the winger set Marcelo Carrusca in on goal but the Argentinian fluffed his shot from the edge of the box.
COACH KILLER
With the Roar looking to launch a counter attack, Roar midfielder Corona dwelt on the ball far too long in midfield and was dispossessed allowing the Reds in on goal. To compound the error, Michael Theo was only able to parry Kamau’s shot back into the danger area, allowing Djite to tap home the rebound.
BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD
Roar boss John Aloisi pulled a surprise by leaving German superstar Thomas Broich on the bench and the move appeared to backfire in the opening stanza. Henrique started in his place and struggled to make an impact on the game, with his decision making and execution lacking polish in the final third. Broich’s composure, class and ability to maintain possession were sorely missed in an opening half dominated by the Reds.
THE FINAL WORD
Adelaide’s impressive run of form continues and will now firmly set their sights on the Premiers Plate after edging to within two points of Western Sydney Wanderers.
The Reds face a tricky trip to Wellington next weekend before tough matches against Melbourne City and Western Sydney Wanderers.
Brisbane need to regroup quickly after a forgettable fortnight which has seen them concede nine goals (six against Glory) and (three against the Reds).
It doesn’t get any easier for John Aloisi’s side who face matches against Western Sydney, Melbourne Victory and Melbourne City in the next three weeks.
TEAMS
Adelaide United: Galekovic (GK), Marrone, McGowan, Elsey, Elrich (Warland 90’), Carrusca (Sanchez 73’), Mells, Mauk, Cirio, Djite, Kamau (Dugandzic 87’)
Brisbane Roar: Theo (GK), Hingert, Bowles, North, Stefanutto, Lustica (Petratos 57’), McKay, Borrello, Corona (Hervas 69’), Henrique (Broich 57’), Maclaren.
Scorers: Kamau 38’, Djite 50’, Sanchez 81’
Red cards:
Yellow cards: Lustica 27’, Hingert 45’, Borrello 61’
Conditions: 23C, fine
