It took less than a quarter of the game for the Perth Glory to capitulate defensively, going from 2-0 up after 27 minutes to trailing 3-2 at half time.
The result went Adelaide’s way, who came away from HBF Park with a 4-2 win thanks to a brace from Hiroshi Ibusuki and goals from Zach Clough and Stefan Mauk.
Perth were all smiles following Adam Taggart’s second goal of the contest, but from then on it went horrifically downhill.
A series of bad defensive actions and decisions completely turned the game on its head, and when Adelaide took the lead right on half time they didn’t look back.
The Glory clearly didn’t have the experience or know-how to manage an early lead, but it was good to see them finally in that position after struggling in that area for most of the season.
The architects for both goals were Johnny Koutroumbis and Daniel Bennie. For the first, Koutroumbis played a ball in behind for Bennie to chase.
The youngster managed to play a perfect ball across to Taggart, who had his first attempt blocked on the line but followed up with a smashing volley to open the scoring.
On the second, a neat string of passes opened the door. In a tight space, Koutroumbis slipped a pass through to Bennie, and then onto Taggart who turned onto his left foot and wrong footed James Delianov for goal number 17 of the season, now his most prolific in the A-League.
At that point, a bit of composure and poise was needed to keep the two-goal lead handy. Unfortunately, a lapse in concentration gave Adelaide an immediate passage back into the game and momentum.
Javi Lopez’s cross was met by Ryan Kitto at the back post. Aleksandar Susnjar was caught ball watching as Ibusuki held his position and was rewarded when the header back across came his way and was put away past Oli Sail.
The real danger man for the Reds was Nestory Irankunda, and while he didn’t get a goal in the match, his two assists drew Adelaide level and got them into the lead.
For the leveller he took a great touch on the move and was faced with Warland and Susnjar. Both defenders failed to put in a challenge, allowing the 18-year-old to pass it off to Zach Clough on his own, who had made an unmarked run into the box and curled it into the top right corner.
The Englishman then hit the crossbar with another curling effort in added time, signalling the danger which the Glory didn’t heed.
Delianov’s quick throw to Irankunda gave Adelaide a last minute break for the final action of the half. Susnjar and Gio Colli hesitated to tackle and it cost them when Irankunda slid a pass through for Stefan Mauk, who rounded the keeper to give his side the ascendency at the break.
Alen Stajcic made one defensive change at the half but it couldn’t stop the goals, as the killer blow came five minutes from the restart. Isaias’ beautiful pass was touched down by Mauk for Ibusuki. The striker curled it out of Sail’s reach and into the back of the net for his second of the game.
The pace of the game slowed down in the later stages, with less fast break opportunities as fatigue settled in from the heat. The Glory suffered more from it, having played midweek and for the third time in eight days.
They had more possession in the second half but didn’t manage a shot on target, and only had two shots in the final 20 minutes.
David Williams squandered the best chance for Perth, missing a sitter right in front of goal from Warland’s deflected cross.
He was also involved in the scrappiest sequence at the end, pouncing on Delianov’s failure to collect a long ball. Adelaide nearly managed to score an own goal when a clearance went the wrong way. Javi Lopez headed it off the line, and Taggart was unable to complete his hattrick in the scramble to get the loose ball.
The Wrap Up
A really promising start to the game was marred by the horrendous defending down the other end. Bennie and Taggart’s combination for the opening goals were brilliant, and hopefully we see more results from the pairing.
Bennie was great in the first half, creating havoc for Ben Warland with his pace. He could’ve had a goal of his own if not for some sharp saves from Delianov.
Irankunda was the highlight reel for the away side, like Bennie proving a menace with his speed. They had similar performances; unlucky not to score but managed to set up multiple goals for their respective sides.
Adelaide have a game in hand on the sides above them and are more than capable of reaching the top six. As for the Glory, they now sit at the foot of the table.
We’re equal on points with Western United but they have a game in hand. They will be our penultimate opponents, and the last side we play at home.
Before then, this weekend we’re back in Melbourne for a showdown with City. They’re four points adrift of finals and need to win to stay in the hunt.
Like Adelaide, games between these sides tend to be goal heavy. Last time out we got the win; this time around will be a lot tougher, especially if we don’t show any defensive resilience. If we do, then anything is possible.
