Western United played out a 0-0 draw against Adelaide United in controversial circumstances at Coopers Stadium.
The line-up
Tomi Uskok returned to the starting eleven after serving a one-match suspension, partnering Vïctor Sánchez in midfield.
Aaron Calver started at right-back in place of the injured Josh Risdon.
United boasted a strong bench with the likes of Brendan Hamill, Steven Lustica, Brad Inman and Iker Guarrotxena.
Tomi Uskok returns from suspension while Aaron Calver also starts 💪 Tonight's starting XI, brought to you by @SimondsHomes #ADLvWUN #RiseUp #WUFC
— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) April 30, 2021
The match
Besart Berisha thought he had scored the opener, tapping the ball into an empty net from close range following a set-piece.
It didn’t count however as Tomi Uskok was deemed to have used his hand before heading the ball to Berisha.
Craig Goodwin went closest for the hosts in the first half, almost scoring from an acute angle which would have left Western United keeper Ryan Scott red-faced.
Andrew Durante had a great chance for the visitors two minutes later, his headed effort going just wide.
The Green and Black were reduced to 10 men just before the interval as Víctor Sánchez was shown his second yellow card.
As expected, the Reds dominated possession and territory in the second half but struggled to create any clear-cut chances for the most part.
Western United scored a remarkable goal 15 minutes from time but was again denied due to offside.
Alessandro Diamanti played a world-class through ball to Dylan Pierias who took on Gauci before finishing into an empty net.
Upon the VAR review, Pierias was controversially ruled offside, despite the replay not being able to conclusively confirm it.
Let's take another look at that… 👀 #ADLvWUN #RiseUp #WUFC pic.twitter.com/oeBWL2RP0C
— Western United FC (@wufcofficial) April 30, 2021
Aaron Calver had a golden chance minutes later to win it but couldn’t direct his header on target.
A solid performance on the road secured a point for Western United, however were unlucky to not walk away with all three.
What Mark Rudan said
On the offside call
“I spoke with Carl [Veart], we spoke about the lack of cameras and how they get that line.
“I’ve spoken to Strebre [Delovski] and what he has told me is different to what I get told depending on where we go.
“What constitutes an offside? I have no idea.
“We keep talking about promoting the game, attacking football, and yet we continue to stop that.
“When I saw the line that they chose… Ryan Strain was from his chest and Dylan was at the highest point, the worst point for it to be offside.
“For me, there’s an inconsistency there. If you’re going to do it, do it both from their shoulder which was the furthest point away.
“The other issue that I’ve got is the thickness of the line. I think we should make the line thicker which gives an advantage to the attacking team.
“We’re talking about millimeters here.”
On the performance
“What an effort from my players and my football club, couldn’t be prouder.
“We had to dig deep away from home in a hostile environment, it’s a hard place to come and get points.
“This team’s got a lot of passion, a lot of heart.
“We talk about our values as a football club and we continue to challenge each other on those values.
“When I ask them for a little bit more they give.
“They’re animals, they’re warriors. They were warriors tonight.
“Not only defensively, but with the ball as well we’re a hard team to play against.
“I’ve seen a lot of teams put in one-off performances. We’ve backed it up. In the last three games we’ve had to dig deep.”
Next match
Western United will travel to Queensland to take on Brisbane Roar at Moreton Daily Stadium on Wednesday, 5 May. Kick-off is 7:05pm.
