Adelaide United played out a 1-1 draw with FFSA National Premier League side Campbelltown City at Steve Woodcock Sports Centre on Wednesday night.
Former Adelaide forward Marc Marino capitalised on a defensive mix-up before Baba Diawara steered home a header to rescue a share of the spoils.
Head Coach, Marco Kurz, utilised a 4-4-2 system and handed Diawara his first pre-season start up front, while it was Ersan Gulum’s unofficial debut for the Reds, playing at left centre-back.
Both sides had to contend with the wet conditions and at times the players struggled to stay on their feet as the rain poured down at intermittent stages during the first-half.
It was Adelaide who created more of the chances in the opening exchanges.
Johan Absalonsen recycled a ball back into the area and his inviting cross found Nikola Mileusnic, but he was unable to keep his shot down after rushing in at the far post.
Kurz’s men did their best to control possession on the slippery surface, far from conducive for the players.
Nevertheless, Adelaide continued to threaten in attack but spurned a number of decent chances.
A quick free-kick saw the ball land to Mileusnic on the edge of the area though he failed to make clean contact with his strike.
Moments later, Nathan Konstandopoulos dragged his first-time effort wide of the goal when he connected with George Blackwood’s low cut-back.
However, minutes after the break it was Campbelltown who broke the deadlock courtesy of Marino. The striker took advantage of a defensive miscommunication involving the centre-backs and goalkeeper, before finishing into an empty net.
But parity would soon be restored when Diawara headed home off yet another dangerous Absalonsen corner in the 62nd minute.
Kurz made several alterations to the side midway through the second-half, bringing on a number of fringe and youth team players, and it did not hamper the Reds efforts to try and find a winner.
Adelaide maintained possession for long spells and nearly scored after Mark Ochieng unleashed a stinging low-drive which was well held by Campbelltown’s gloveman.
However, Adelaide had to settle for a draw in what was ultimately a tough outing in difficult playing conditions.
