Dodd clinches it for United

Travis Dodd’s 62nd minute tap in was enough to secure all three points for a resolute Adelaide United tonight as Queensland’s frustration in front of goal continued.

Dodd’s close-range strike was a bitter pill for a Roar side that had taken the initiative in the first period but again could not capitalise on their superior possession.

Miron Bleiberg was able to name a strong line-up despite fears early in the week that his selection would be hampered by injuries to Reinaldo and Zhang as well as virus victims Ante Milicic and Liam Reddy.

The latter took his place between the posts but precautions were taken with Milicic who started on the bench after showing after effects of his stomach complaint. Zhang succumbed to a thigh injury but Reinaldo, who was caught with an elbow to the face at training, began the game in place of Milicic.

It was a tentative opening by both sides with the importance of the game evident as they felt each other out and jockeyed for midfield dominance. Roar’s first real attempt at goal came from the head of Simon Lynch in the 27th minute but his effort looped onto the top of the net.

Roar grew in confidence as the half drew on and Hyuk-Su Seo almost broke the deadlock with a blistering low drive that skipped just wide of the post, but the teams went in level at the break.

Captain Josh McCloughan was forced to sit out the second half with concussion and Miron Bleiberg had to reshuffle his side with the introduction of Dario Vidosic.

It was Vidosic who had the best early chance of the second period but the youngster elected to shoot much to the annoyance of Andrew Packer who was streaking into space on the right flank.

Moments later Simon Lynch hooked a close-range shot inches wide and Roar were to pay just after the hour when Dodd hit the winner.

Carl Veart lost Stuart McLaren on Adelaide’s left and steadied himself before squaring an inch-perfect cross for Dodd to apply the killer punch.

Roar responded by pouring forward once more. Ante Milicic came on for Dilevski to add more firepower but when Reinaldo misjudged his free header on 71 minutes there looked as if there was no way back for Roar against the experienced Adelaide defence.

“Adelaide knew how to defend but that doesn’t take away from our inability to convert chances,” said Roar Coach Miron Bleiberg.

He added: “Of course we are going in the wrong direction and that is disappointing. We will sit down next week and try to find a solution to what is going wrong. Adelaide know how to punish you and that is the reason that they are second on the table.”

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