United's squad returned from Gosford yesterday after grabbing a point against Central Coast Mariners.

Despite a host of first half chances, the Reds could only capitalise once in the opening 45 minutes, leaving the door ajar for a fast finishing Mariners to snatch an equaliser less than ten minutes from full time.

"We're really disappointed because we had the game in our hands, and we lost the three points in the last seven minutes," Cassio said after touching down back in Adelaide.

"In the end we knew the Central Coast is a good team, they always fight back and at the end of the day I think it was probably a fair result."

A second consecutive draw keeps the Reds unbeaten this season, but with seven stalemates across the league from the ten games so far, just three points separate first from last on the table.

Preparing to meet the A-League's newest team for the first time on Friday, who are also without a win in their opening two games, Cassio believes it is an ideal opportunity for the Reds to get three points in the bank.

"I think we have to win," Cassio said. "It wasn't a bad result against the Central Coast, but I think this Friday we have to win because we play at home and I think the crowd will help us.

"We had a great first half and we showed a lot of good things, and now I think we're ready for our first win, but we know Melbourne Heart is a good team so we'll be doing everything to win this game."

Cassio was given more freedom to roam up and down the left flank against the Mariners, as Coolen opted to go with the more defensively minded Inseob Shin in midfield. This allowed Cassio to push forward more often, which is something he hopes can benefit United's options going forward.

"Rini gave me the freedom to play. He told me to play my own game, and he knows I want to go forward to create chances for the team, but of course I have to stay in my position and defend as well," Cassio added.

"We were under the pump in the last 20 minutes and I think the back four did a good job, but I did have more freedom in this game."