Sun 14th Jan 2007

An 89th minute winner has given Adelaide United just their second victory over rivals Sydney FC in the Hyundai A-League and put The Reds into outright second on the Hyundai A-League table with one round to go.

In a fairytale finale, Dutchman Bobby Petta and United’s two Brazilians Diego and Fernando combined to send the 14,704 home crowd into delirium. In a high voltage contest between last season’s Premiers and Champions, both sides had chances to win but a scrappy goal off of the chest of Fernando late on was enough for United to get the three points.

The goal came from a Petta free kick just outside the penalty area on the right hand side, the former Celtic player swinging it into the far post where an unmarked Diego, making his first appearance since signing with the club mid-week, headed the ball back across the goal line. Then in a congestion of bodies, the ball came off Fernando’s chest past keeper Bolton and a Sydney defender and over the line. United’s first goal in over four hours of football coming at no better time.

With the goal in the bag, the win would only be secure after some final minute heroics from goalkeeper Daniel Beltrame, who was excellent throughout, as he made two brilliant saves to first deny a David Zdrilic header going inside the post and then a final long range Sydney effort with only seconds remaining.

The back four of Angelo Costanzo, Michael Valkanis, Richie Alagich and Matthew Kemp together with captain Ross Aloisi, who played an important defensive midfield role, kept Sydney FC at bay and showed the fight, inspiration and resoluteness to see Adelaide through.

Match Details
Adelaide United 1
Sydney FC 0
Crowd: 14,704 @ Hindmarsh Stadium
Referee: Matthew Breeze