Despite possession dominance, Marco Kurz’s side were unable to fashion any notable first half chances. So you can imagine Kurz’s relief when his captain Isaias took the initiative and scissor-volleyed passed Ben Kennedy, providing the match’s decisive moment.

Over the entire 90 minutes Adelaide were forced to make just seven tackles, pointing to an avalanche of turnovers from the Mariners players.

Any hopes of a Mariners revolution under Alan Stajcic will have to be revised, with the Mariners remaining on 10 points and still firmly on track for the worst A-League record of all time with only four games remaining.

As for Adelaide, they now sit eight points clear of Newcastle Jets, all but securing their place in the A-League finals despite their season-long ineptitude in front of goals.

BEST

Ben Halloran

His first match since round 16, Ben Halloran returned to the field after Ryan Strain injured his hamstring after just 20 minutes.

Halloran provided United with much needed quality and intensity in a team sorely lacking any initiative. If Adelaide are going to do anything more in the remaining four games, it is likely to be down to Halloran.