W-League: Late Lady Reds comeback shocks Victory

A dramatic comeback has Adelaide United celebrating it's third consecutive win of the Westfield W-League season, overcoming Melbourne Victory with a 2-1 scoreline.

Late goals to Lisa-Marie Woods and a wonder-strike from Tiarn Powell in the 80th and 86th minutes respectively dragged Adelaide back from the brink at the Adelaide Shores Complex.

The Lady Reds survived a late scare as Laura Barnes' 86th-minute penalty flashed off the post, handing all three points to United. Barnes had initially given Melbourne the lead from the spot as Isabel Hodgson was penalised inside the first 60 seconds of the match.

Originally scheduled for November, the Round 12 clash was brought forward due to Melbourne's participation in the International Women's Club Championship, held later this year in Japan.

The Lady Reds were searching for their third win on the trot after stunning league leaders Perth 1-0 last week. Melbourne was two stars down before the match kicked off with Emma Checker and Lisa De Vanna out under a club-imposed suspension.

It couldn't have started worse for United as a foul by Hodgson inside the first minute gave Barnes the chance to fire home from 12 yards. Melbourne's number five shot left and the strike was saved by Barbieri, however, it trickled back to Barnes who had an easy tap-in to give Melbourne the lead.

Adelaide went into the break 1-0 down despite working their way back into the match, with Victory's pressure in the middle of the park causing plenty of headaches for Ross Aloisi's charges.

United's pressure increased tenfold in the second half; more urgency in closing down tightened the game and stopped Melbourne from playing out of the back easily.

Melbourne almost doubled its lead in the 68th minute with former red Racheal Quigley's deft slide-pass opening the defence, allowing Amy Jackson a sight at goal, however, Barbieri made herself big and saved well down low.

Adelaide's added pressure began to show cracks in Melbourne's defence when they were almost undone by a long ball, flicked on to Norwegian Lisa-Marie Woods. The midfield maestro cut inside from the right flank and tried to find Moore at the back post, though it fell just out of reach of the her captain's left foot.

United's pressure paid off when they were handed a lifeline in the 80th minute, Brewer handballing in the area allowing Woods to dispatch the penalty.

Adelaide's fans were in raptures in the 85th minute when Tiarn Powell's wonder-strike gave the Lady Reds the lead. A quick turnover saw McCormick find Powell in space; the substitute's fierce, dipping shot cannoned off the underside of the crossbar leaving Cassie Dimovski with no chance of stopping it.

The 500-strong crowd members were floored just a minute later when McCormick was carded for a handball in the box, allowing Barnes to step up to the spot again. Unfortunately for the visitors, Barnes' second penalty of the night hit the post and deflected out.

The Lady Reds have now won their last three games in a row after looking as though they may struggle early in the season.



Adelaide United starting XI: Barbieri (GK), Iannella, Brogan, Pedersen, Condon, Woods, Hodgson, Borg, McCormick, Holtham, Moore (C)

Adelaide United substitutes: Holmes, Chidiac, Powell, Willacy

Melbourne Victory starting XI: Brewer, Barnes, Simon, Catley (C), Jackson, Quigley, Nairn, Mastrantonio, Goad, Reed, Dimovski (GK)

Melbourne Victory substitutes: Natoli, Eliadis, Koca, Snelleksz