A-League: Dodd strike seals Adelaide victory

Adelaide United captain Travis Dodd scored at the Hindmarsh Stadium to secure a 1-0 win over Perth Glory in their opening match of the A-League season.

The 2007 Grand Final runners-up grabbed the crucial goal three minutes before the break as Dodd, playing his 100th game for the South Australian club, exchanged passes with Cristiano before muscling out Hayden Doyle and firing past Frank Juric.

The home side tried to extend their lead immediately after the restart but were then forced to defend in the final half hour against a determined but relatively ineffective Glory side.

'We knew we had to get some results on the board early and tonight was a fantastic effort by the boys,' Dodd told Fox Sports.

Earlier on Sunday, Wellington Phoenix and Queensland Roar shared a 1-1 draw at the Westpac Stadium in New Zealand.

Following a poor opening half, the Roar opened the scoring two minutes after the break as Charlie Miller side-footed home from six yards following a strong run and cross from Sergio van Dijk.

But the goal spurred the Phoenix into action and just six minutes later Shane Smeltz drifted in behind the Queensland defence following a pass from Brazilian Daniel before beating Liam Reddy.

The home side continued to press forward but failed to find a breakthrough as Smeltz drifted an effort wide before Phoenix goalkeeper Glen Moss ensured his side a share of the spoils with late saves from Van Dijk and substitute Michael Zullo.

'We didn't shift the ball quick enough and I thought we were too cautious. We took that extra touch that you can't afford against a team like Queensland and they got on top of us,' said Phoenix coach Ricki Herbert.

'We got better in the second half without reaching any high levels and got ourselves back in the game. We're probably going away happy with a point.'