Melbourne City miss golden opportunity

Melbourne City have missed a golden opportunity in pursuit of their first A-League trophy following a late equaliser from Macarthur’s teenage substitute Michael Ruhs in their 1-1 draw with the Bulls in Campbelltown.

While the result takes City to the top of the table by a point over the Central Coast Mariners, they had the chance to go a further two points clear in their quest for the Premiers Plate, which would be their first piece of silverware in the league since entering as Melbourne Heart in 2010.

It was a mistake at the back in the 77th minute by young City centre back Kerrin Stokes, who let the ball bypass him, that led to the Macarthur equaliser.

It was taken advantage of by 18-year-old substitute Michael Ruhs, who pounced on the loose ball and then threaded it through the legs of Olyroos goalkeeper Tom Glover to equalise.

While the draw was a fourth straight game without a win for fifth-placed Macathur, it does provide them with a handy three-point buffer over local rivals Western Sydney in the race for a final spot.

While Macarthur’s goal came from an opposition error, City’s was a thing of footballing beauty after a four-pass, one touch team move.

Scott Jamieson released Jamie Maclaren down the left whose backheeled pass allowed Craig Noone to whip it into the box for Olyroos midfielder Connor Metcalfe to dispatch on the half volley.

Metcalfe, who looms as a key man in Graham Arnold’s Olympic campaign in Tokyo, had the best chance to claim all three points but his long range drive late cannoned into the crossbar.

The Bulls crashed City’s party on Saturday night.Source:Getty Images

ABSENT ANTE

The thoughts of the Australian football community were with Macarthur coach Ante Milicic who tragically lost his father – who was a key figure with NSL powerhouse Sydney United – in the lead up to the game. The game day coaching duties were handed over to his assistant Ivan Jolic as a result.

MILLIGAN’S LUCKY BREAK

Former Socceroos captain Mark Milligan was spared a moment of huge embarrassment when he turned a pedestrian cross into his own net only for an offside to be called in the build-up, ruling the goal out and sparing his blushes.

MAGIC METCALFE

In a game that lacked notable high points Connor Metcalfe was a contrast to that. The Olyroos midfielder was the best player on the park in this one, scoring City’s opener and almost securing the winner late on. It’ll be exciting watching him take on the quality of Spain, Argentina and Egypt at the Tokyo Olympics.

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