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VAR again a talking point as 10-man Reds snatch draw with Mariners

A 10-man Adelaide United have come from behind to force a dramatic 2-2 draw against Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium.

The Reds were made to play more than 70 minutes a man down with Ersan Gulum controversially sent off on 18 minutes.

Jordan Elsey of United celebrates a goal at Coopers Stadium. Photo: AAP

Trailing 2-0 just before the hour, the home side fought heroically to grab a share of the spoils.

The first half was littered with controversy as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), or lack thereof, again became a talking point.

While the Mariners settled quicker, they took an unexpected lead after just seven minutes following the first of two game-defining decisions.

Referee Shaun Evans awarded them a free kick on the edge of the area for a foul on Andrew Hoole by Isaias, despite the ball clearly striking the hand of the attacker in the build-up.

Hoole completely wrong-footed Reds keeper Paul Izzo, sending him the wrong way.

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Ten minutes later the game was turned on its head when Gulum was given a straight red card.

Hoole was again involved, sending speedster Trent Buhagiar through on goal with a defence-splitting pass.

As Buhagiar sped past Gulum, he made contact and the attacker went tumbling.

The contact was minimal but referee Evans had no hesitation in giving the Reds stopper his marching orders.

The VAR didn't review the incident as the United camp and home crowd fumed.

Central Coast tried to exploit the advantage with Hoole and Jacob Melling testing Izzo from distance, while Alan Baro forced a stunning stop from the Reds keeper at close range.

After the break, the Reds had a couple of early chances through Nikola Mileusnic and Ben Garuccio.

But instead, it was Central Coast who doubled their advantage, courtesy of Ryan Strain who inadvertently headed into his own net.

The home side pulled a goal back on the hour when Jordan Elsey rose highest to head home a teasing free kick from Garuccio.

The 10 men of United continued to push for a leveller and after a couple of near things, young striker George Blackwood smashed home a half volley with seven minutes left.

Teed up by Adlung, Blackwood controlled with his thigh before slamming his shot past Kennedy.

AAP

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SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

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