Adelaide has turned around a two game losing streak to win in Melbourne for the first time since 2006. The Reds have looked solid in defence all night, breaking down the Heart's attack in the centre of the park. Goals to Robert Cornthwaite in the 5th minute and Marcos Flores on the other side of the half time break.
For the Heart, this is the first time that the club has lost back-to-back matches.
The Melbourne Heart had the majority of chances in the second half, especially through the Dutch connection of Rutger Worm's right foot to Gerald Sibon head. But each attempted either went wide of the goal, or found the middle of Adelaide United's goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic chest.
An early goal to Adelaide United started procedures. From a free kick taken by Cassio, Robert Cornthwaite scored from a header. The goal was a wee controversial with John Aloisi being pushed in the back by Iain Fyfe, leaving Cornthwaite with an uncontested header. The goal was controversial for other reasons, with both coach John Van't Schip and captain Matt Thompson claiming that the referee, Chris Beath blew his whistle as the ball was crossed in.
From that point until the end of the first half, both sides looked unable convert any chances, with Eugene Galekovic having to do the most work out of both keeper, but only just minimally more.
The tall timber of Adelaide diffused the attacking raids of the Melbourne Heart. Most of Melbourne Heart's attack in the first half came down the right wing with Adrian Zahra using his lightning pace to constantly beat Adelaide's Cassio. But it was his final pass, which let him down, not finding any target in the middle of the park.
Late in the first half, Lucas Pantelis injured his left knee after attempting a step-over on the attack. Initially, he came back onto the field to finish the first half but sat on the bench from the start of the second half.
Early in the second half, Melbourne Heart had the majority of the chances. Most of these chance to level was from Rutger Worm creating space and beating the defender on the left hand side.
The second Adelaide goal came in the 73rd minute after Marcos Flores had the ball fall at his feet after Iain Ramsey attempted to chip Clint Bolton and the ball hit the cross bar and bounced down to the feet of Flores, who pushed the ball across the line.
The win takes Adelaide to 31 points, 1 point behind League Leaders, Brisbane Roar. Adelaide United's next match will be against Gold Coast United at home next Friday.
Melbourne Heart on the other hand is stuck on 20 points, with plenty of teams up their tail with games in hand. The Heart on Wednesday will travel across the 'ditch' to take on a Phoenix side, which has gone winless in the last two contests at the 'Caketin'.