Adelaide United defender Dylan McGowan believes the champions are headed in the right direction following Friday night’s energised 1-1 draw with Brisbane Roar.
The Reds welcomed Marcelo Carrusca into their starting side for the first time this season and salvaged a point through Sergi Guardiola’s 78th minute header.
Despite remaining bottom with just two points from six matches, the point ends Adelaide’s horror run of four straight defeats.
REPORT: Reds, Roar finish all-square in Adelaide
HIGHLIGHTS: Adelaide United v Brisbane Roar
“Our problem this season has been slacking off in key moments,” McGowan told Fox Sports.
“Last week (against Central Coast) was just after half-time and a couple of weeks ago (against Melbourne Victory) it was the last minute of the game.
“To concentrate for the full 90 was the aim tonight and I think having some of our key players back really made a difference.
“We definitely don’t want to be in this position and tonight was a step forward for us.”
The hosts survived several Roar chances either side of their goal to halt an unwanted streak of four consecutive 2-1 defeats.
While it was his side celebrating Guardiola’s equaliser, McGowan admitted to nerves about the scoreline potentially reappearing.
“As soon as it went 1-1 I thought ‘here we go’. But we’ve gone out to break that curse and hopefully next week it’s 2-1 for us,” the 25-year-old said.
