Sergio van Dijk's second-half goal rescued a 1-1 draw for Adelaide United and denied Melbourne Victory manager Jim Magilton a win in his first A-League game in charge.

Archie Thompson gave the home side the lead with six minutes gone at AAMI Park. Harry Kewell beat Zenon Caravella and Matthew Watson down the left before delivering a low cross that Thompson converted.

Adelaide levelled seven minutes into the second period, when Nigel Boogard headed Dario Vidosic's corner against the bar and Van Dijk was quickest to react as the Dutchman fired home.

Kewell hit the bar in the 69th minute but neither side was able to fashion a winner and the spoils were shared.

Melbourne lie fifth in the table with Adelaide seventh, with both sides level on 19 points but separated by goal difference.