Socceroos striker Jamie Maclaren and Shayon Harrison - on loan from Tottenham Hotspur - alongside Adelaide United loanee Jordy Thomassen: three highly rated debutant strikers were on show tonight, as Melbourne City host Adelaide United at AAMI Stadium.

Cagey, tight game of football with both sides pressing - real estate to create an opening was at a premium. For the first 30 minutes, all debutants looked nervous, adjusting to the pace of the A-League.

Jamie Maclaren saw a decent attempt on goal just swing wide from Paul Izzo right hand-side. Then, for the first time, Nikola Mileusnic broke from the shackles of Scott Jamison with a perfectly weighted cross for Craig Goodwin to header the ball into the net.

Poor goal keeping from Paul Izzo - not clearing his lines - and Jamie Maclaren in the right place created the equaliser, a back heel the ball into the net in the second-half.

Honours shared, 1-1 in a difficult evening of football for both sides. But Adelaide were lucky to come away with a draw, as Melbourne showed they had more depth and williingness to win the game.

MELBOURNE CITY

Eugene Galekovic – 7

Most ever appearances in the A-League for a goalkeeper with 279. Couldn’t do anything about the opening goal from his former club. Solid performance between the sticks.

Harrison Delbridge – 7

Solid in defence, making himself big. Great tackle to deny United a chance. Penetrating run into the final third causing huge problems for United. Should have done better with his header early in the second-half. But a real presence when he’s on and off the ball.

Curtis Good – 7

Just went about his business, held his position well.

Bart Schenkeveld – 7

Good energy and read the play well early on. Solid in defence, held his ground well.

Scott Jamieson – 8

Solid performance in defence, getting the better of Mileusnic. Quality crosses with his left foot. Pressing high well. Always causing Adelaide problems with his energy - overall a good performance

Florin Berenguer – 7

Worked hard in defence. Subbed 55th minute.

Luke Brattan – 7

Brilliant effort on goal, played a key role in City's equaliser and generally worked hard in midfield.