Melbourne Victory rue missed chances to draw

Adelaide United denied Jim Magilton the three points he was craving in his first game in charge of the Melbourne Victory, as they held Melbourne Victory to a 1-1 draw after Van Dijk’s second half strike cancelled out Thompson’s early tap in.

Melbourne Victory made a bright start to the contest. Archie Thompson had an opportunity within five minutes to open the scoring after he was put through by Kewell, the striker’s effort denied by Eugene Galekovic before coming off the post.

Only sixty seconds later the home side took the lead much to the delight of new boss Jim Magilton. Harry Kewell did well to dribble his way through Caravella and Watson before delivering a low cross which was tapped in by Archie Thomspon.

Even though Adelaide United had much of the possession throughout the half it was the home side who continued to do most of the damage in the final third. Thompson continued to be in the thick of it as his flick over to Hernandez was met by a first time volley from the Costa Rican, his effort however whizzing past the post.

In the 35th minute Hernandez returned the favour as his delightful pass sent Thompson through on goal. The goal scorer’s effort was cleared away by Boogard after the striker had already beaten Galekovic.

Although the Reds maintained 60% of possession Victory shot stopper Ante Covic had little to do in the first stanza.

Victory began the second half as the first ended with a glorious chance within sixty seconds. A Carlos Hernandez free-kick was goal bound however Galekovic pulled off a miraculous save to deny a second.

In the 53rd minute the visitors found an equaliser with their first real chance of the game. A swinging corner from Vidosic was headed off the bar by Mullen before falling to the feet of an unmarked Van Dijk who easily placed his effort past Covic.

The goal seemed to spark the Reds, who started to get on top of the match, and culminated in a couple of corners for the visitors. Vidosic came close to handing Adelaide the lead as his corner almost made its way into the net, only to be denied by Vargas on the line.

With twenty minutes remaining Harry Kewell showed a flash of brilliance as he easily found his way past Antony Golec before unleashing a powerful strike which cannoned off the bar.

Both sides continued to push forward in search of a late winner, it was to no avail, as neither side was able to create a clear cut opening in the closing stages.

It was a well earned point for the Reds who remain unbeaten under Kosmina, while for the home side it’s the same old story as they picked up their seventh draw of the season.