Adelaide United, Western Sydney Wanderers share points in four-goal thriller

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:26 am

Adelaide United and Western Sydney Wanderers were forced to settle for a share of the points after a pulsating 2-2 draw in sweltering conditions at Hindmarsh Stadium.

The Reds were made to see out the final half hour with 10 players after Jordan Elsey received his second yellow card with Western Sydney unable to snatch a winner.

United had overturned a 1-0 halftime deficit within 10 minutes of the second half and led 2-1 thanks to a double from Nikola Miluesnic but Wanderers equalised within a couple minutes of Elsey's expulsion.

Despite the temperature hovering over 34 degrees when the match kicked off, both sides played with plenty of heat in the opening exchanges.

It was the visitors who eventually scored the opener in first half injury time, courtesy of some poor defending by the Reds.

United had ample opportunity but failed to clear the lines and former Red Tarek Elrich stormed through the area and was fouled by Nathan Konstandopoulos.

Riera stepped up to take the spot kick, which was expertly saved by Izzo, before tucking away the rebound into the empty net.

United coach Marco Kurz made a double change at half time, bringing on Ryan Strain and Ken Ilso for Marrone and Konstandopoulos and within three minutes of the restart the home side drew level.

Scott Galloway whipped in a low ball from the left which took a deflection off a defender before finding its way to the back post where Mileusnic tapped in for an easy finish.

Nikola Mileusnic scored twice in Adelaide United's A-League draw with Western Sydney Wanderers on Boxing Day.
Nikola Mileusnic scored twice in Adelaide United's A-League draw with Western Sydney Wanderers on Boxing Day.
Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images

The Reds took the lead on 55 minutes after an inspirational run from skipper Isaias set up Mileusnic who slotted the ball through the legs of Surman from inside the area.

The match was turned on its head on the hour when Elsey was sent off for a second bookable offence for leading with the arm in an aerial challenge with Riera -- the exact offence for which he was cautioned in the first half.

The Wanderers took full advantage and equalised in the subsequent passage of play, with Josh Risdon teeing up former Reds winger Bruce Kamau who blasted his shot from just inside the area.