A superb late Harry Crawford strike earned Adelaide United’s Young Reds a point and cancelled out a first-half Joshua Mori goal in a 1–1 draw with Campbelltown City at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Saturday afternoon.
It was another share of the spoils for Paul Vanis’ young side, with a performance that built strongly after the break.
Head Coach Paul Vanis made a number of changes to the side that drew with Croydon, with Ethan Cox returning to lead the team after A-League selection, while Bailey O’Neil, Harry Crawford and Vinko Stanisic all returned from injury to come straight into the starting XI. Amlani Tatu was also included from the outset, with Kaspar Kuzman handed his first start of the RAA NPLSA season. On the bench, Liam Stam, Laris Cesko and Riad Rarhidi were included, with Israel Monga, Luke Hurst and Kalan Alagich retained.
An experienced Campbelltown outfit, led by former Red Daniel Mullen, had the better of the opening half and were rewarded on 33 minutes with a well-constructed team goal. Jayden Lobasso’s looping cross found Mori, who struck cleanly to put the Red Devils 1–0 ahead.
Photo Credit: Ken Carter
The Young Reds emerged with renewed energy after the interval, with Stam and Alagich introduced to spark the contest. United began to build sustained pressure and tested goalkeeper Daniel Vaughan on several occasions – first on 67 minutes when Crawford cut inside and curled an effort from distance that Vaughan tipped over the crossbar. Vaughan was again called into action on 75 minutes, expertly palming away a dangerous Tatu free kick, before denying Rarhidi late with another fingertip save.
Photo Credit: Ken Carter
The breakthrough finally came when Crawford picked up the ball on the right, cut inside and glided a superb finish beyond Vaughan – reminiscent of his A-League strike against Brisbane Roar last season, complete with an identical backflip celebration.
United almost found a winner in stoppage time, with Tatu racing onto a long Cox ball and sending a looping header onto the crossbar. The Young Reds were then forced to see out the closing moments with ten men after Malual Nichola was shown red in added time, but they held firm to secure the draw.
Photo Credit: Ken Carter
Despite firing 14 shots in the second half, the Reds were left with a sense of regret at what might have been – but it marked another positive step forward for the young group.
Head Coach Paul Vanis said:
“It was a really even first half against a quality, well-organised Campbelltown side. They made it difficult for us and we needed to improve in a few areas. We adjusted at half-time and the response from the group was excellent. In the second half, we had much more control, found better spaces and played with greater intent, creating plenty of opportunities. It was also great to see more young players make their debut, and we’re looking forward to playing at Coopers Stadium next week.”
Starting XI
#40 Ethan Cox (C) (GK)
#45 Alex Battistella (off 73’)
#54 Bailey O’Neil
#58 Harry Crawford
#65 Joey Garuccio (off 79’)
#71 Vinko Stanišić (off 46’)
#74 Amlani Tatu
#75 Fabian Grelli (off 46’)
#78 Malual Nichola
#79 Feyzo Kasumovic
#84 Kaspar Kuzman
Substitutes
#15 Israel Mbula-Monga (on 73’)
#57 Liam Stam (on 46’)
#70 Laris Cesko (GK)
#86 Luke Hurst
#88 Kalan Alagich (on 46’)
#91 Riad Rarhidi (on 79’)
