AVONDALE STARTING XI: Mayen (GK), Courtney-Perkins, Kamara, Edwards, Wellsmore, Cuba, Trajcevski, Katebian (captain), Ahmed, Aguek, Valentini

Goals: Cuba 10’, Edwards 76’

Head Coach Zoran Markovski made four changes to the starting lineup, with young goalkeeper Mayen Mayen earning a start alongside Stefan Valentini, Jackson Courtney-Perkins and Yusuf Ahmed.

The Avengers got off to a strong start. Just 10 minutes in, right-back Jackson Courtney-Perkins laid the ball off to winger Stefan Valentini, who delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the box. Midfielder Cian Cuba met it with a volley to score the opening goal.

Only five minutes later, St Albans responded. A well-worked move saw the visitors reach the edge of the Avengers’ penalty area, where a St Albans player delicately chipped the ball over Mayen to equalise.

The remainder of the first half was a tightly contested battle, with both teams struggling to create clear chances and neither able to add to the scoreline.

The second half began in similar fashion, with both sides trying to assert control. In the 61st minute, Cuba delivered a delightful 30-metre pass over the St Albans defence to find Yusuf Ahmed. He was joined by substitute Stefan Zinni on an overlapping run, but Zinni’s effort from inside the box was well saved by the St Albans goalkeeper.

In the 76th minute, Avondale were awarded a free kick on the edge of the penalty area. Cuba stepped up and curled a dangerous shot over the wall, forcing the goalkeeper into a fine save. Defender Dan Edwards reacted quickest, slotting home the rebound to restore the Avondale lead.

Just three minutes later, Emlyn Wellsmore played in Valentini, who found himself one-on-one with the St Albans keeper. Valentini’s shot was well deflected onto the post, narrowly denying Avondale a third goal.

Then, heartbreak came in the 89th minute as St Albans sent a hopeful ball into the box, which fell kindly in a scramble. The visitors managed to poke it home, levelling the score once again.

It was a frustrating 2-2 draw for the Avengers, who were just minutes away from a valuable win. The result keeps Avondale in second place on the table, one point behind league leaders Heidelberg United.

Attention now turns to Tuesday night’s crucial Australia Cup fixture against Dandenong Thunder. A win will secure a spot in the national Round of 32.