Adelaide United’s super comeback win in Gosford

Adelaide United powered back from a goal down at half-time to defeat Central Coast Mariners 3-2 in Gosford on Sunday night.

In a game delayed four hours from its original 3pm kick off due to the heat, it was the Mariners who racked up the fouls in a physical opening stanza,

And it was a brilliant Fabio Ferreria goal that had the Mariners up 1-0 at the break and looking confident. 

Yet in their fourth game in 14 days, the Reds turned up the heat with three second half goals to stun the home side and push Gui Amor’s side into third spot on the ladder.

GOALS

31’ 1-0 Fabio Ferreira: Central Coast

On the halfway line, the winger was put through down the right and with the Reds’ high line exposed he arrowed in on the goal before calmly nutmegging Eugene Galekovic for his sixth of the season (with his trademark bow and arrow celebration).

Fabio Ferreira

53’ 1-1 Isaias: Adelaide United

Bent his set-piece past the wall and Paul Izzo wasn’t quick enough and couldn’t get across to stop it.

65’ 1-2  Bruce Djite Adelaide United

McGowan won the headed contest from a corner and Djite was there to poke it home in front of Izzo, despite a hint of offside.

Bruce Djite

90′ 1-3 Stefan Mauk Adelaide United 

Terrific lead up work from Craig Goodwin and Mauk takes his time and smashes it home to put the contest beyond the Mariners. 

92′ 2-3 Josh Bingham Central Coast 

The ball was cleared and the Mariners striker’s shot was spilled by Eugene Galekovic proving a late consolation for the home side. 

KEY MOMENT

Stella’s effort could’ve salvaged a point for the Marineres but with space and time his power shot sailed over the bar in stoppage time.

TREATMENT TABLE

Luis Garcia, worryingly, took a knock in the first half. And Mariners’ Michael Neill limped off in the second half, as did Carrusca for the Reds. 

Sergio Cirio

HIGHLIGHTS REEL

Carrusca’s inventive flick-up free kick. Caught the Mariners unawares. And Mitch Austin’s pace and power had the fans off their feet in the first half.

TEAMS:

Central Coast Mariners (4-4-2): Izzo (GK); Roux, McGing, Poscoliero, J Rose; Montgomery, L Rose (Buhagiar 81′), Garcia (Bingham (58’) Neill (Stella 63’); Ferreira, Austin.

Subs: Bray (GK), Buhagiar, McDonald, Stella, Bingham.

Adelaide United (4-3-3): Galekovic (GK); Marrone, McGowan, Elsey, Goodwin; Mells, Isaias, Carrusca (Mauk 69’) Kamau (Sanchez 77’) Djite, Cirio (Dugandzic 87′) 

Subs: Hall (GK), Mauk, Sanchez, Warland, Dugandzic.

Red cards: nil

Yellow cards: 

Central Coast: Poscoliero

Adelaide: McGowan, Elsey

Conditions: 25 degrees, clear

Attendance: 5096 @ Gosford Stadium