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After going ahead through a Bruce Djite goal in the 10th minute United collapsed with Tim Brown and Dani Sanchez capitalising to help the New Zealand side to just its second win against the Reds at Hindmarsh.
Kosmina’s side pushed the Phoenix throughout and the coach believes his side bounced back well after their 3-0 loss to Perth last week.
“They showed a ton of [character] tonight and that’s a credit to them because after last week they bounced back,” Kosmina said.
“I thought we played enough decent football and showed enough ticker to win that game but that’s how it goes sometimes.
“It’s not as though we aren’t creating chances and the football is entertaining. In terms of character that’s what the fans love, that’s what Adelaide is all about,” he said.
Kosmina said his side is still developing but believes there are positives to take from recent results.
“They’re still learning about football, they’re learning about each other, learning how to get through the hard times and the easy times,” Kosmina said.
“We played Central Coast away from home two weeks ago and played them off the park for a good percentage of the game with a relatively inexperienced side compared to our opposition.
“This team is improving all the time,” he said.
The match against Wellington saw the return of Brazilian left-back Cassio and midfielder Osama Malik said the pocket rocket adds another dimension to the side.
“[Cassio] is one of the leaders in the team and he’s got a lot of experience,” Malik said.
“He’s a calm head out there and he spoke to me a lot as well as other players so it was good to have him back in the team.”
Ricki Herbert’s side has now won four on the trot including three consecutive away games, a new franchise record.
Herbert felt any pressure put on his high-flying side is completely external as he tries to keep his side’s feet on the ground heading towards the finals.
“We’re in the mix, we’re a chance but we’ve got to keep working hard,” he said.
The Phoenix were buoyed going forward as United’s defence failed to handle the Wellington’s star-man Paul Ifill.
The Barbados striker caused Kosmina’s backline headaches all night as he found space and time on the ball easy to come by.
Wellington’s manager reserved high praise for his marquee man.
“I told everybody in the media two years ago he’s the best player in the league,” Herbert said.
“He’s a real talent and he’s such a great guy, he’s very easy going.
“He’s probably the worst trainer I’ve ever had but he’s special and he’s special to us.”
Wellington hosts the Roar next week and will be high on confidence after four successive victories. A win over Brisbane will see the Phoenix put a stranglehold on second spot with just six matches remaining.
Meanwhile United head to Skilled Park in a battle of the cellar dwellers as time begins to run out on their finals hopes.
The Football Sack's 'Player of the Year' points:
3 Paul Ifill
2 Cassio
1 Tim Brown