Two second half goals from a 10-men Adelaide United Youth has seen the Baby Reds claim an impressive 3-1 win against Sydney FC Youth at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday.
The scores were locked at 1-1 at half time with Sydney looking in control after dominating the first half and a win for the visitors appeared even more likely when Baby Reds captain Matt Mullen was given his marching orders just on the hour mark after being shown his second yellow card.
Brendan Gan had given the visitors a perfect start, opening the scoring inside five minutes, capitalising on a botched clearance from Baby Reds keeper Nick Munro.
The shot-stopper bounced back from his early howler and managed to pull-off a fistful of first-class saves to keep his side in the match and steer them to victory.
Sydney striker Justin Hayward looked threatening and tested Munro with a powerful header but the Reds keeper was equal to the task.
Ten minutes before the break Sydney star Nick Carle had his free kick tipped over the bar before Munro followed up with another solid stop.
As the half wore down the Baby Reds grabbed an equaliser through Brett Rayner, with the midfielder volleying past Dylan Mitchell in the Sky Blues’ goal.
Within minutes of the restart Gan almost put Sydney back in front after a fast break but his side was cleared off the line by Rayner.
Just after the hour, Mullen was shown his second yellow card and the Baby Reds were reduced to 10-men and the visitors’ confidence grew.
Dual Golden Boot winner Francesco Monterosso had other plans for Sydney and put United in front in the 73rd minute, after having an immediate impact off the bench.
Winger Brad Norton lofted a delightful pass over the Sydney defence and Monterosso raced onto the dink and chipped the outrushing keeper from the edge of the area.
Moments later, Munro again denied Sydney with another fantastic save after a powerful header from a corner and five minutes later Matthew Hallliday put the result beyond doubt with a fantastic goal.
The defender picked up a loose ball and produced a curling 30 metre rocket leaving Mitchell with no chance.
