History for Mainland FC

Someone commented that Adelaide played poorly last night. I disagree.  Their interplay especially in the first twenty minutes was excellent and they were a constant threat.  Even if they could not sustain that past 20 minutes, had they piled in two goals in that time it might have been impossible for Auckland to recover.    For that reason, I think the game was won for Adelaide by the five men defense, since Adelaide could not get a proper shot on goal during the whole first half.   I thought they would prevail late in the game with the fresh-legged subs, but the defence held.  Agreed that Pijnaker was a bit lucky, but he probably benefitted from the ref developing "Buyer's Remorse" after carding Sakai in the first three minutes for his first tackle of the game.  
Kudos to all players, even to Cosgrove still able to pull off his theatrics despite missing some important ligaments.  And the last goal from a superb cross was sublime, remind me of similar Roy Krishna goals for us in they years past.   Also, the game was one more reminder what an excellent player Elliot has developed into - he hardly put a foot wrong last night.
My top marks go to Girdwood-Reich, he of the Premature Celebration Syndrome from last weekend.   Stunning headed goal, and a solid defensive work. 
Adelaide was not poor: they simply were outplayed by Auckland defence, and did not stop Auckland at the other end (Brook also struck a goalpost in the first half).