Adelaide United failed to secure the away win they wanted, but a crucial second-half equaliser from Harry Crawford on Saturday has put the Reds in a good position heading into this Friday night\u2019s A-League semi-final second-leg clash against Auckland FC at Coopers Stadium.<\/p>\n
Despite having yet to beat the Kiwi outfit in five games between the teams, the Reds fancy their chances of conquering the Black Knights in front of a packed house on home soil after securing a 1-1 first-leg draw at Go Media Stadium.<\/p>\n
Trailing 1-0 after a first-half Auckland goal from ex-Adelaide winger Lachlan Brook, the Reds found the goal they were looking for in the 64th minute through Crawford.<\/p>\n
The visitors then had a chance in stoppage-time to take an advantage going back to Adelaide, but substitute Juan Muniz\u2019s long-distance strike hit the crossbar.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe wanted to win, that was the result we came for, but a draw here is a good result going into next week at Coopers Stadium, where it\u2019s an absolute fortress with our fans,\u201d Crawford told Paramount Plus.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s in our hands. Hopefully we can get the result there and go into the grand final.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reds coach Airton Andrioli said the Adelaide fans would be his team\u2019s collective \u201c12th player\u201d on Friday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no better place to be,\u201d Andrioli said.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur supporters our incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was no doubting that the Reds deserved to at least finish the first-leg on level terms after having two great chances to take the lead in the opening 10 minutes.<\/p>\n
On both occasions, superb goalkeeping from Auckland\u2019s Michael Woud denied them.<\/p>\n
Woud\u2019s first save frustrated Reds attacking weapon Jonny Yull, whose curling right-footed strike seemed destined for the top corner before the custodian intervened.<\/p>\n
Yull then turned provider with a low cross that found his Brazilian teammate Anselmo de Moraes, who seemed certain to score, only to be foiled at point-blank range by Woud.<\/p>\n
Adelaide had another good opportunity in the 12th minute, but Woud again frustrated the visitors, saving a shot from Crawford.<\/p>\n
The Reds were made to pay for not capitalising on their chances, with Auckland going ahead in the 24th minute through Brook.<\/p>\n
The opportunity came following a cross from Auckland captain Hiroki Sakai that was poorly cleared by Adelaide defender Panagiotis Kikianis.<\/p>\n
The ball fell for Auckland midfielder Cameron Howieson who snatched at the opportunity.<\/p>\n
However, the unmarked Brook pounced on the loose ball, and steered a left-footed strike into the bottom corner of the net.<\/p>\n
The hosts again had the ball in the back of the net in the closing stages of the first-half, but Uruguayan ace Guillermo May was correctly ruled offside.<\/p>\n
In a concern for the Black Knights ahead of the second leg, May was forced off early in the second-half with what appeared to be a lower leg injury.<\/p>\n
Worse was to follow for the hosts when Adelaide scored 19 minutes into the second-half. <\/p>\n
The chance was set up by winger Yaya Dukuly, who outpaced Sakai before delivering a low cross beyond the far post, where a sliding Crawford scored from close range.<\/p>\n
Despite his side failing to hold on to its lead, Brook said Auckland was confident heading to Adelaide.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all to play for in the next game,\u201d Brook said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m looking forward to it. The mentality is to go there and win.\u201d <\/p>\n
In a boost for the Reds, in-form striker Luka Jovanovic will be available for the second-leg after missing Saturday\u2019s game through suspension.<\/p>\n