(Kick-off - BOTN Photo Mark Taylor)

High-flying Sydney United will rue some missed chances and and fine saves by Rockdale’s keeper, Ben McNamara, as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Bicentennial Park. In front of a healthy attendance, United started well with Mirjan Pavlovic sending a shot wide in the 14th minute.

Just 11 minutes later Sydney United took the lead after a cross from the right by Todd Brodie wasn’t cleared by the City defence and fell to an unmarked Luka Glavas in an acre of space and his shot from close range found the back of the net.

The early goal seemed to rouse Rockdale from their seemingly comatose beginning and in the 28th minute Saso Trajcevski just blasted wide from 30 metres out after being on the end of a move involving some nice passing from Pece Apolevski and Robert DiMeglio.

If anyone wanted an early shower, there was a chance in the 38th minute when play was held up for a minute when someone in the office hit the wrong switch and the sprinkler system in front of the Sydney United goal came on!

Obviously not meant to rattle United but 4 minutes later, Sydney United goalkeeper Vedran Jangetovic fumbled a shot from Stefan Donevski away for a corner. From the corner Trajcevski went down in the box but unfortunately for him the referee deemed his graceful swan dive worthy of a Hollywood-inspired oscar and duly booked him!

After the break both sides had a few chances with Sydney United looking particularly dangerous midway through the half when the Rockdale midfield looked non-existent. 2 shots in the 62nd and 67th minutes from Pavlovic and Zrillic respectively were well saved by McNamara who certainly earned his keep today.

However, as time started winding down, Rockdale started to play with a lot more urgency and during a goalmouth scrimmage in the 81st minute with feet flying around, they were awarded a hotly contested penalty. Suns captain Apolevski, who was having quite a game, stepped up and found the back of the net with a thunderous shot and the scores were locked up at one apiece.

Even though a further 3 yellow cards were handed out at the end, there were no more chances on goal and Rockdale will be happy for a point to help keep them in touch with the leaders in 5th place.