After last week's heavy loss in Melbourne, the Adelaide Sharks bounced back to convincingly defeat the Wollongong Wolves 3-1 at Thebarton Oval yesterday. After a 1-4 defeat last week at the hands of the South Melbourne Lakers, the Sharks came out playing a strong attacking game to maintain their perfect record at home this season.
The Sharks attacked from the start and quickly hit the front when the ball dropped to Pablo Cardozo after a defensive error by Jason Connolly. Cardozo pounced on the opportunity, putting the Sharks up 1-0 after only 2 minutes.
The Wolves replied quickly, when Alex Kuzmanovic was judged to have handled the ball in the penalty area and a penalty kick was awarded. Anthony Surjan stepped up for the spot kick, sending Sharks 'keeper Frank Mikuletic the wrong way and bringing the Wolves back level at 1-1 after only 6 minutes.
The Sharks continued their attacking moves and were soon in front again. Jimmy Tsekinis took control of an incoming corner, then slotted the ball past Wolves 'keeper Brett Hughes, to put the Sharks up 2-1 after 20 minutes.
The strong breeze in the first half was used well by the Sharks, aiding them in a continual build-up towards the Wolves goal. Wollongong advances mainly came from breakaway counter-attacks, with Mikuletic in the Sharks' goals playing well to keep the strikes out of the net. There were no further goals in the half and the Sharks went into the break with a handy 2-1 lead.
Into the second half, the Sharks continued their forward advances and rewarded again after 58 mins. A brilliant build-up down the right saw Jimmy Tsekinis dance around the Wolves defence, before steadying. Tsekinis passed to Pablo Cardozo, who struck home his seventh goal in as many games to give the Sharks a 3-1 lead.
The Wolves were unable to match the determination of the Sharks, who came out worthy winners at the final whistle.
The win puts the Sharks back into the top-6 as they prepare for a strong test of their ability in the coming weeks, having to line up against the top three teams for the next three games; Perth (away), Sydney Utd. (home) and Carlton (away).
Sharks: Frank Mikuletic, Alex Castro, Branco Milosevic, Alex Kuzmanovic, Pedro Oliveira, Frank Tibaldi, Bigu da Silva (Paul Pezos - half-time), Nathan Day (Adrian Iandiorio 74), Corey Artone (Andrew Borghetto 68), Jimmy Tsekinis, Pablo Cardozo.
Wolves: Brett Hughes, Alvin Ceccoli, Jason Connolly, Matthew Horsley, Sonny Sevin (David Huxley 74), Anthony Surjan, Scott Chipperfield (Michael Reda 58), George Souris, Noel Spenser (Esala Masi 58), Tony Perinich, Neil Harlock.
Goals: Sharks: Pablo Cardozo (2,58), Jimmy Tsekinis (20) Wolves: Anthony Surjan (6pen)
Yellow Cards: Sharks: Frank Tibaldi (15), Branko Milosevic (29), Nathan Day (73) Wolves: Anthony Surjan (78), Jason Connolly (81)