Melbourne City boss Warren Joyce bemoaned his side’s profligacy in front of goal after they drew 1-1 at Central Coast Mariners on Saturday.
City had 23 shots on goal to Central Coast’s four but needed an 84th-minute equaliser from Dario Vidosic just to rescue a point.
That came after former City forward Ross McCormack opened his Mariners account with a well-taken close-range finish.
THE REPORT: City snatch 1-1 draw with late goal
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And Joyce insisted his side had to be “more ruthless” if they are going to achieve Hyundai A-League success this season.
“We’ve got to make the most of the chances that we created,” Joyce said.
“Too many chances went begging. We had some great opportunities to score goals – we’ve got to be more ruthless.
“The first half, we probably had the best chance of the match, Bruno’s [Fornaroli] chance in the first half was clear cut, through on the keeper … second half, [we had] numerous chances and we’ve got to capitalise on those.
“You’ve got to score more goals.”
Fornaroli had another chance to score in stoppage time but blazed over, with Central Coast getting a point from a second successive 1-1 draw.
Mulvey disappointed, too
Mariners head coach Mike Mulvey acknowledged afterwards that City deserved to take a point from the match.
“When you concede an equaliser in the 84th minute … [I am] obviously disappointed that you don’t hold onto the lead,” he said.
“But if I’m truthful about it, Melbourne City deserved that equaliser … we put in a great effort.
“It’s building blocks. Last week we got a point, this week we got a point so onwards and upwards.”
Mulvey warned Hyundai A-League rivals that McCormack and the Mariners would only get better.
“Ross has come to us, he hasn’t really played since February,” he said.
“The best is still to come from our team.”