Western United move top of A-League Men with narrow win over Adelaide

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:01 am
Western United recorded their four-straight victory win in a 1-0 win over Adelaide United.
Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Western United have leapt to the top of the A-League Men table after beating Adelaide United 1-0 to secure a club-record fourth consecutive win.

Forward Connor Pain lashed home the opening goal in the 44th minute before Adelaide were controversially denied an equaliser early in the second half.

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Friday's result meant boss John Aloisi's side sealed a fourth-straight 1-0 win and went clear on top ahead of Macarthur and Melbourne Victory, who play later in the round, while the Reds remain winless.

Adelaide were without striker Kusini Yengi, who injured his quad in training on Thursday, but had a few early chances.

Jacob Tratt headed over the bar in the fourth minute, while Craig Goodwin skimmed a speculative shot just over the bar from a tight angle in the 33rd minute and shortly after, headed wide.

Western's Steven Lustica was forced off the field in the 42nd minute with Jerry Skotadis replacing him in midfield.

Shortly after, Lachie Wales went on a brilliant run, comfortably seeing off Adelaide midfield duo Isaias and Juande, then slipped the ball to Pain.

The winger cut inside onto his right foot and skidded a delightful strike into the bottom corner.

Adelaide were denied their chance to equalise on 53 minutes. Goodwin copped a big challenge from Leo Lacroix, and referee Kurt Ams blew the whistle to stop play, rather than letting Adelaide take the advantage.

While Ams stopped play and United's defenders eased up, Ben Halloran burst forward to get the ball, chested it down then finished with aplomb, leaving Adelaide's players in uproar when the would-be goal did not count.

Adelaide introduced Bernardo Oliveira in the 66th minute and the youngster went on a weaving run moments later, forcing a good save from goalkeeper Jamie Young.

Reds captain Stefan Mauk whipped a shot just past the far post in the 86th minute, while Young saved Ryan Kitto's effort with his feet in injury-time to ensure all three points.