20 Oct Stalemate at the Adelaide Oval

A late Mitch Austin strike in the game made sure Melbourne Victory would share the points against Adelaide United in a 2-2 draw at Adelaide Oval on Friday night.

It was a fiery start to the contest against these two rivals, with possession and momentum heading Victory’s way with the ball keeping residence down in Victory’s front third.

Victory striker Besart Berisha broke the deadlock after 12 minutes from a fantastic Leroy George cross into the box from 6 yards out and Berisha headed through the first goal of the game.

There were spot fires over the course of the first half, with a VAR decision having to be made over a challenge Victory defender Rhys Williams on Isaias, the referee’s deciding it wasn’t a cardable offence.

Lia equalised with a fantastic strike from the 18 yard box, and equalised the contest halfway through the first half.

What a SCREAMER from Vince Lia! 🎥: @FOXFOOTBALL #ADLvMVC #ALeague pic.twitter.com/tjS0HqT4Oe

— Hyundai A-League (@ALeague) October 20, 2017

Adelaide had two opportunities late in the first half, first one was a missed opportunity from Johan Absalonsen from a Nikola Mileusnic with a great cross.

Second opportunity saw Williams save the ball from going in favour of Adelaide, scores stayed 1-1 at Half Time.

Adelaide had some opportunities early in the second half through Absalonsen, and Dylan Adlung who could’ve broken the deadlock.

Lia gave the Reds the lead with his second of the game, and the crowd erupted as the home side took the lead in the 62nd minute.

The Reds looked to have sawn up the three points, until the super sub for Melbourne Victory Mitch Austin scored his first of the season, and cancelled out the Lia strike 20 minutes prior.

Both sides fought tooth and nail till the end, but ended up being a stalemate at the end. Relief for the Victory as they finally get their first point of the season.