Adelaide United’s Young Reds were forced to settle for a point on Saturday afternoon, held to a 0–0 draw by a disciplined Playford side in a tight contest at ServiceFM Stadium.
Head Coach Paul Vanis made six changes to the starting XI from last week’s win over WT Birkalla, with Ethan Cox returning in goal and handed the captain’s armband. Israel Monga, Liam Stam, Daniel Wojcik, Malual Nichola and Riad Rarhidi were all promoted into the starting side, while Max Vartuli, Sotirios Phillis, Harry Crawford, Amlani Tatu (A-League break) and Kalan Alagich were among those to make way from the previous XI.
On the bench, Mutsa Mupandawana, Sajjad Nasiri, Chris Irakoze and Deklan Cooper-Ndambuki were added to the matchday squad, alongside retained substitute Luke Hurst and reserve goalkeeper Laris Cesko.
Playford started the brighter and created three chances in the opening 25 minutes. Inside three minutes, Isaac Mullen blazed wide from inside the box after being played through by Patrick McGregor. Moments later, Christos Pounendis found space after a cutback from Shota Babaski, but his effort was straight at Cox. Babaski then volleyed at goal on 21 minutes, again unable to beat the Reds’ keeper.
United’s best spell of the first half followed. On 25 minutes, Rarhidi surged towards goal and forced Luke Ostbye into a strong save at the near post, pushing the shot wide. The forward went close again on the stroke of half-time, only to be denied by excellent last-ditch defending from Shaun Harvey.
Images: Pagonis Photography
The second half continued in much the same pattern, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut openings. Nichola found space on 63 minutes and tried his luck from range, but his long shot was comfortably gathered by Ostbye.
Playford went in search of a winner late, with Daniel Ryan coming closest on 75 minutes when his snapshot flashed wide of Cox’s post. At the other end, Alex Battistella tested Ostbye from outside the box on 78 minutes, but the keeper was equal to it.
In the end, neither side could find a breakthrough, as the points – and the clean sheets – were shared, meaning the Reds are now on an impressive run of only one defeat in their last ten matches.
Squad
Starting XI
#40 Ethan Cox (C) (GK)
#15 Israel Mbula-Monga
#45 Alex Battistella
#57 Liam Stam (off 62’)
#62 Fabian Talladira
#63 Daniel Wojcik (off 46’)
#65 Joey Garuccio
#67 Luka Blazevic
#78 Malual Nichola (off 82’)
#79 Feyzo Kasumovic
#91 Riad Rarhidi (off 62’)
Substitutes
#47 Mutsa Mupandawana (on 62’)
#59 Sajjad Nasiri (on 46’)
#70 Laris Cesko (GK)
#82 Chris Irakoze (on 62’)
#85 Deklan Cooper-Ndambuki (on 82’)
#86 Luke Hurst