Mile Sterjovski's hopes of a dream start to A-League Men coaching life were dealt a late blow as Western United secured a late 2-2 draw against Macarthur FC on Saturday.
Sterjovski, who was named as Dwight Yorke's replacement earlier this week, looked to be heading for an unlikely victory until Western substitute Nicolas Milanovic scored an 89th-minute equaliser at Campbelltown Stadium.
The Bulls had overcome an injury to Daniel Arzani and played with 10 men in sapping 33-degree heat to put themselves in a position to win.
Lachlan Wales had bagged Western's opener but even with 10 men after Kearyn Baccus' 49th-minute dismissal for a second yellow card Macarthur were able hit the lead.
Matthew Millar poked home at a corner soon after Wales' opener and then Jed Drew was able to finish past Western goalkeeper Jamie Young with 10 minutes of regular time left.
But Milanovic popped up late on, squeezing his way through a sea of Macarthur defenders to end Sterjovski's hopes of a perfect start to life as Bulls boss.
Macarthur held onto their place in the competition's top six, while John Aloisi's Western are in 11th spot but one win outside of a finals spot.
Much of the first half was a low-key affair due to the stifling heat in Sydney's south west, with Western duo Noah Botic and Connor Pain both having the best chances to jag a goal.
Baccus, who was booked for tripping in the first half, was sent off when he raised his leg in a challenge with Botic.
To make matters worse for the Bulls, Arzani limped off with a suspected hamstring injury and then Wales finished past Macarthur goalkeeper Filip Kurto to give his side the lead.
Macarthur were able to fight back with Millar and Drew giving them an improbable lead, but there was one last twist with Milanovic finishing as added time loomed to seal a draw for the visitors.
