Both sides were coming off midweek losses in the Asian Champions League, Adelaide with the shorter turnaround.

In a meeting between the competition’s two lowest scorers, the hosts were left frustrated as a string of lost opportunities meant their dominance went unrewarded.

Young Wanderers forward Lachlan Scott had the best sights of goal during a first period in which they were camped inside Adelaide’s half.

And in the 38th minute a controversial decision by referee Kris Griffiths-Jones proved decisive. Reds goalkeeper Daniel Margush spilled the ball and, in the ensuing scramble. Western Sydney skipper Dimas stabbed it home.

But the goal was chalked off for a foul on Margush, although replays showed the custodian never had control of the ball.

After the break Adelaide's young goalkeeper kept the home side at bay with two quickfire saves to deny first Terry Antonis and then  Scott.

By the hour mark the visitors were starting to build a case of their own as they went in search of their first away win.

It was the Wanderers, however, who nearly snatched a late winner. Kearyn Baccus flashed a chance wide while Antonis struck the crossbar with a stoppage-time free-kick.

In the end Tony Popovic's men were forced to settle for a fifth draw in six matches at Spotless Stadium and their 10th draw of the season.

The result leaves Wanderers in sixth place while defending champions Adelaide remain rooted to the bottom of the table.

GOALS

Statistics pointed to a narrow margin and the contest proved to be just that. Western Sydney should have made more of their supremacy, but Guillermo Amor will take heart from his side’s more competitive second-half.