Adelaide United has recorded its first win in the National Youth League after beating the Central Coast Mariners 3-0 at Hindmarsh Stadium on Friday.
The Reds’ victory was set-up by two first-half goals to Francesco Monterosso while over-age player Robbie Younis made sure of the result with a tap-in at the 85th minute.
It was an improved and more creative effort from Younis who squandered plenty of opportunities in the team’s Round 1 draw against the Jets.
The New South Wales recruit set up United’s first goal with some evasive work just outside the box. On the end of a long midfield pass, the striker moved right and then left to shake his opponent, before kicking the ball sweetly with his left foot.
The ball was parried away by goalkeeper Matthew Nash but he was sprawled on the ground as Monterosso swooped on the ball and converted from close range.
United scored again eight minutes later thanks a beautiful cross from Alex Sunansky. A loose ball was heading towards the goal line before he whipped it back into the play.
His cross cleared a pack of players and was volleyed through by the man-of-the-moment Monterosso from about 10 metres out.
Over age player Jason Spagnuolo used his Hyundai A-League experience to dominate with his relentless run out wide and countless crosses keeping the Mariners’ defenders busy.
He also combined well with Younis and with only minutes left in the contest their partnership was fruitful.
Spagnuolo’s centering ball flew into the penalty box where Younis had no problem registering his team’s third goal.
The Reds have four points and are currently on top of the ladder which puts pressure on Queensland Roar and Perth Glory to win their Round 2 clashes.
Central Coast were outclassed for most of the 90 minutes but displayed some positive and skilful pieces of play, particularly in the midfield.
There were also some brilliant individual efforts in the first half which almost saw them peg one back.
Sean Mitchell released a thundering kick from about 30 metres but watched with disbelief as it cannoned into right corner of the cross bar.
And a short pass from Nick Mrdja opened up an opportunity for Darko Vidovic but his kick from just outside the penalty box was smothered by a United defender.
The visitors showed plenty of spirit immediately after the break – Vidovic and substitute Laurence Braude among the players displaying some spirit – but they couldn’t maintain the intensity for the entire second half.
Match Details
Adelaide United 3 (Francesco Monterosso 20-/28-, Robert Younis 85-)
Central Coast Mariners 0
Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide
Referee: Elvis Mustafic
Assistant Referees: Mark Michael, Curtis Wordsworth
Fourth Official: Stephen Toth
Adelaide United line-up: 30.Mark BIRIGHITTI (gk), 7.Joel ALLWRIGHT (10.Osama MALIK 51-), 4.Michael MARRONE, 12.Francesco MONTEROSSO (11. Shane TOBIAS 61-), 8.Matthew MULLEN, 6.Alex SUNASKY, 3.Scott WEIDENBACH (2. Michael DOYLE 60-), 9.Robert YOUNIS (OA), 5.Michael VALKANIS (OA), 18.Fabian BARBIERO, 21.Jason SPAGNUOLO
Substitutes not used: 40.Lucas ANDREUCCI (gk)
Yellow cards: Alex Sunasky 71-
Red Cards: Nil
Central Coast Mariners line-up: 1.Matthew NASH (gk) (OA), 16.David D’APUZZO (12.Scott WRIGHT 45-), 8.Nick KAPSIS, 7.Matthew LEWIS, 17.Sean MITCHELL, 4.Nathan SHERLOCK, 2.Steven TIBBETTS, 10.Glen TRIFIRO, 11.Darko VIDOVIC, 9.Nik MRDJA (OA) (6.Ty OWENS 60-), 21.Greg OWENS (OA) (13.Laurence BRAUDE 32-)
Substitutes not used: Nil
Yellow cards: Nik Mrdja 51-
Red Cards: Nil
