Melbourne City missed the chance to cement lead of the A-League after Macarthur youngster Michael Ruhs capitalised on a late mistake from Patrick Kisnorbo’s side to secure a 1-1 draw in Campbelltown.
Competition leaders City took a deserved lead when Connor Metcalfe volleyed past Adam Federici after a sweeping Bulls’ move involving Jamie Maclaren and Craig Noone.
But City failed to add a killer second and were punished for failing to do so when Ruhs pounced on a mishap between Marco Tilio and Kerrin Stokes to score his first A-League goal late on.
As a result, City could relinquish the A-League lead to Adelaide United, should the Reds beat Wellington Phoenix tomorrow.
Key moments
Both sides were locked in stalemate for most of the opening 45, as the home side aimed to contain the league leaders.
Macarthur wasted a superb chance to take the lead too, when Rose found Matt Derbyshire but the Englishman hit the post, unable to add to his 11 goals so far for the A-League new boys.
Maclaren fired uncharacteristically wide after Adrian Luna headed Metcalfe’s ball into the path of the in form Socceroo. Having netted five last weekend against Melbourne Victory, this was an unexpected miss from the A-League’s leading marksmen.
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City began to ramp up the pressure in the second half and Metcalfe drew a good save from Adam Federici after making a trademark burst beyond the defence.
It was the Australian youngster’s willingness to drive into the box that saw the visitors take the lead. It came when Scott Jamieson’s long pass was retrieved by Maclaren, before Noone’s cross was neatly tucked in at the near post by Metcalfe.
However, Macarthur were not willing to die wondering and secured a share of the spoils when Ruhs seized on a moment of hesitation from Marco Tilio and Kerrin Stokes before finishing with aplomb.
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