Adelaide score breakthrough A-League victory against Wellington

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Adelaide United recruit Henrique scored two screamers as the Reds climbed from the bottom of the A-League table with a 2-0 win against Wellington Phoenix.

Henrique's double came in a 15-minute span in Sunday's first half as Adelaide banked a breakthrough first win of the season.

Wellington are now at the foot of the table after being overtaken by Adelaide, who held a 2-0 lead from 40 minutes into their home match.

Henrique's brilliant brace highlighted the Coopers Stadium clash.

First, he opened scoring with a thundering left-footer in the 26th minute after being played into space, and range, by the industrious James Holland.

The Brazilian then topped that feat within a quarter of an hour, pounding a 20-metre blast into the net; after being set up via Isaias from an Adelaide corner, Henrique's launch sailed at terrific pace barely head-high before smacking into the net.

Adelaide's tide, and perhaps season, had earlier turned on their captain and goalkeeper Eugene Galekovic, whose diving save of a Roy Krishna penalty in the 20th minute inspired the locals.

Galekovic was busy but assured through the first half, making five saves when the Phoenix attacked on the break but Adelaide had their measure.

The trend continued in the second half: despite the best efforts of Phoenix playmaker Kosta Barbarouses, Adelaide's defence remained resolute.

Barbarouses fed substitute Hamish Watson for a tap-in, only to be adjudged offside in arguably the brightest moment in a lacklustre half from the New Zealanders.

The Reds, with Spanish striker Sergi Guardiola threatening and Marcelo Carrusca influential in midfield, controlled the tempo en route to a victory achieved without suspended coach Guillermo Amor, who watched from the stands for a second game in a row after being banned for making contact with a fourth official.