A-League: Adelaide and Newcastle Jets share points in tense draw

Adelaide United and Newcastle shared the points in a tense 1-1 draw at Coopers Stadium.

Adelaide’s Craig Goodwin celebrates after scoring the equaliser against Newacstle at Coopers Stadium. Picture: Sarah Reed

Adelaide United and Newcastle shared the points in a tense 1-1 draw at Coopers Stadium.

The contest was a largely scrappy affair that never reached any great heights until the closing moments when Adelaide’s claims for a penalty were controversially dismissed.

Both sides traded timid shots in a dour opening half-hour with Ronald Vargas fashioning the first chance of the match for the Jets, blasting a powerful effort over the bar on five minutes.

The visitors also had the next clear chance when Jason Hoffman rose highest to connect with a Dimitri Petratos corner, forcing Reds keeper Paul Izzo into a save.

With the half drawing to a close, the home side gained the ascendancy and finished with a handful of chances.

On 39 minutes, Isaias’ dangerous chip was chased down by Craig Goodwin and eventually scrambled to safety by Moss as Ilso lurked, ready to pounce on the loose ball.

Goodwin had the best chance of the half on 41 minutes when his free kick from out wide rattled the crossbar.

The winger was on target again soon after, racing on to a long throw from Scott Galloway and firing low and hard from a tight angle with Moss pushing the shot past the post.

United were made to rue the lack of success from their flurry of chances just seven minutes into the second half when Vargas broke the deadlock.

Adelaide wasted the opportunity to clear their lines and Newcastle took full advantage with Hoffman set free on the wing to supply a perfect cut back for Vargas who made no mistake from inside six metres.

The Jets’ lead lasted 10 minutes, though, with Goodwin finally getting his name on the scoresheet.

Michael Marrone provided the assist, launching a pinpoint 40-metre diagonal ball that Goodwin powered past Moss with a bullet header.

Newcastle almost restored their lead minutes later but Hoffman’s header from close range was brilliantly kept out but Izzo.

The match reached a flashpoint on the stroke of fulltime when the Reds’ claims for a penalty were waved away by referee Shaun Evans.

Marrone again delivered the cross from the right and Moss clattered into George Blackwood leaving the young striker prone on the turf. Tensions flared when Evans awarded the free kick in Newcastle’s favour and both sides came together in the penalty area.

The incident sapped the energy out of the remaining minutes before the final whistle blew.

AAP