Another sensational goal from Serbian star Milan Duric helped Central Coast Mariners clinch a 2-1 victory over Adelaide United on Sunday evening.
Duric’s 42nd minute pile driver proved the crucial strike for Alen Stajcic’s men, who had earlier capped a quick start to the match through Kye Rowles’ clever turn and finish.
Adelaide came to life and pulled a goal back in stunning fashion when Ben Halloran bent in a reply mere seconds after the restart but the visiting Reds could not mount a fightback and now rue another contest in which they were second best in the opening half.
The FFA Cup 2019 winners drop into fifth while the Mariners, who started the day bottom, climb two places into ninth and relegate arch-rivals Newcastle Jets into last position.
Key moments
Rowles fires Mariners in front
Adelaide were caught asleep early on and fell behind when Rowles notched his second-ever goal in the Hyundai A-League.
Tommy Oar’s cross to the deep was headed back across goal by Murray, kept alive by Gianni Stensness, and delightfully swiveled into the corner by the young defender.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6117601312001
Another absolute beauty from Duric
Just when Adelaide were starting to pose questions of the Mariners, Duric produced an outstanding strike to put Alen Stajcic’s side two goals to the good.
Duric seized on a clearance, shaped to shoot and flashed in his fourth goal of the season.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6117603284001
Halloran stuns Gosford
Adelaide registered their interest in the second half with an extraordinary goal straight from second half kick off.
Nathan Konstandopoulos burst through the middle, and Halloran bent a remarkable effort past Mark Birighitti from the edge of the box.
https://players.brightcove.net/5519514571001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6117606887001
Round 12
Central Coast Mariners v Perth Glory
Central Coast Stadium
Tuesday, 31 December 2019
Kick off: 7.00pm AEDT
Match centre
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Adelaide United v Western Sydney Wanderers
Coopers Stadium
Friday, 27 December 2019
Kick off 7.30pm AEDT
Buy tickets
Match centre