Late goal denies Wanderers coach Gombau win over Adelaide

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:36 am

A late Adelaide United equaliser has denied Western Sydney Wanderers coach Josep Gombau an A-League win over his former club at Spotless Stadium on Wednesday.

The Wanderers looked set for a third straight win until substitute Apostolos Stamatelopoulos scored from close range following a cut back from Ryan Strain.

It was a first goal in just his third appearance for the 18-year old, who had only been on the field a few minutes, and secured a 1-1 draw.

A first A-League goal in his 90th appearance from Wanderers full-back Jack Clisby in the 52nd minute had given the Wanderers the lead.

Clisby finished off from close range at the far post in the 52nd minute after a perfect cross from Roly Bonevacia.

Western Sydney Wanderers celebrate Mark Bridge's goal against Brisbane Roar in the A-League match at Suncorp Stadium
Western Sydney Wanderers celebrate Mark Bridge's goal against Brisbane Roar in the A-League match at Suncorp Stadium
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Adelaide pressed for a winner in the last few minutes, but had to settle for a point.

That lifted them into outright fourth and kept the Wanderers down in sixth.

A share of the spoils was a fair reflection of a game in which both sides had several chances.

Adelaide had the early opportunities, with Papa Diawarsa and Ryan Kitto both failing to capitalise.

The Wanderers then carved out some decent chances, Oriel Riera hitting a post and Steven Lustica having a follow up attempt cleared off the line by Jordan Elsey while Mark Bridge went close on a couple of occasions.