Coolen: Draw a fair result

Adelaide United coach Rini Coolen believes Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Melbourne Victory at Etihad Stadium was a fair result.

Adelaide appeared headed for their 10th defeat from 12 matches at the venue when Archie Thompson headed Victory into the lead in the 69th minute.

That goal sparked a surge from the hosts, who squandered several chances to put the result beyond doubt.

Instead it was United who scored against the run of play through Fabian Barbiero in the 82nd minute for a point that has eased the pressure at the club in the wake of last week’s record 4-0 home defeat to Central Coast.

Coolen conceded his side was kept in the contest early by keeper Eugene Galekovic who pulled off a string of outstanding saves, including a finger-tipper to deny Harry Kewell in the shadows of half-time.

“It didn’t look good in the first 20 minutes, to be honest,” Coolen said.

“We couldn’t find our players on the sides and there were some good saves from Eugene and good opportunities for Melbourne Victory, but we came better.”

“In the second half we changed some tactical movements in the midfield and I think we controlled the game much more.”

Coolen had a crack at his defenders for allowing Thompson, who was picked out by a pinpoint cross from left-back Fabio, too much space and time to score.

But he said he was proud of the way his players fought back.

“Maybe it’s a fair result,” Coolen said.

“We still have to improve in a lot of things, but it’s a good step and it’s good for the boys and it’s a good feeling.”

Coolen said three points are a must from the club’s clash with Gold Coast United at Hindmarsh Stadium next Friday night.

Asked whether he needs to reassess his ninth-placed side’s finals prospects in light of their poor start to the season – just two wins from 10 matches with the competition’s worst goal-difference – Coolen said: “It’s too early to react on that.”

“We had the pressure (of expectation) at the start of the season and you can’t walk away from it.”

“We didn’t have a good start, that’s the way it is.”

“We could talk about a lot of excuses, but we won’t do that.”

“It doesn’t work to look back, we have to look forward.”

“We make a little step today and we will make a few more.”