Craig Goodwin’s first-half header was cancelled out after the break as Adelaide United were held to a 1-1 draw against Melbourne City at AAMI Park on Saturday night.
Goodwin’s expertly taken header just before half-time – his ninth league goal of the season – was extinguished by Jamie Maclaren midway during the second-half.
City dominated the latter stages of the game but Adelaide showed enough resistance to fend off their attacks to remain in fourth place.
New signing, Jordy Thomassen, received his Reds debut and was one of three changes made to the starting line-up by Marco Kurz. Nikola Mileusnić returned to the wing after scoring last week’s match-winning goal against Brisbane Roar, while Mirko Boland was also rewarded for his performance off the bench last round after his first game back from injury.
Adelaide started arguably the more positive of the two teams and Dutchman, Thomassen had a chance early but his shot failed to trouble Eugene Galekovic in goal.
The match became a real arm wrestle in midfield with possession exchanging at a relatively frequent rate.
City began to threaten with more purpose towards the end of the first-half as Jamie Maclaren and Luke Brattan both had efforts that flashed past the far post.
But just as the hosts began to regain the ascendancy, it was Adelaide who opened the scoring.
Thomassen fed Mileusnić and he evaded his opponent with a neat stepover before his accurately whipped cross was met by Goodwin, and his header ricocheted off the underside of the crossbar.
Incidentally, all three of the fleet-footed winger’s assists this season have been for Goodwin.
Adelaide were forced onto the back foot to begin the second stanza which was compounded by the loss of Mileusnić who appeared to suffer an ankle injury after a cumbersome fall in the 59th minute.
Melbourne continued to apply pressure and they scored via an unfortunate error from Paul Izzo.
Maclaren closed down the ‘keeper and his half clearance fell to Luke Brattan. The midfielder had the awareness to cut the ball across to Maclaren and his deft flick restored parity.
Both sides had a few decent opportunities to take the lead but it finished honours even as United extended their unbeaten streak to five matches.
Key moments:
43’ | GOAL! Mileusnić swings in a brilliant cross from the right after some excellent wing play which Goodwin connects with and his header bounces in off the crossbar.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6000268408001
57’ | A headed clearance from Galloway is only as far as Harrison but he thumps his volley from close range over the bar.
59’ | Mileusnić is stretchered off the field after jumping in the wall and landing awkwardly.
69’ | GOAL: Maclaren equalises with a back-heel finish from Brattan’s squared pass after initially forcing a turnover from Izzo.
Match details:
Saturday, 9 February 2019
Hyundai A-League 2018/19 – Round 18
Melbourne City FC 1 (Maclaren 69’)
Adelaide United 1 (Goodwin 43’)
Venue: AAMI Park
Attendance: 6,569
