Melbourne Victory was held to a 1-1 draw by Canberra United in the Westfield W-League on Sunday.
Summary
Victory controlled the first half and Angela Beard’s effort gave it an early lead at Epping Stadium.
But Nikki Flannery equalised on the stroke of half-time and neither team could find a winner as Victory extended its unbeaten run to four games.
It was a historic day for Amy Jackson, who broke the club record for most Westfield W-League games with her 67th appearance.
Victory took the lead through Beard’s first goal for the club.
After receiving a pass from Kayla Morrison, Beard beat a defender before her effort from out wide went in via the underside of the crossbar.
Victory took control after the opener and Kyra Cooney-Cross saw an audacious long-range attempt go just over after spotting Canberra goalkeeper Keeley Richards off her line in the 19th minute.
Claudia Bunge was the next to threaten, the defender heading a set-piece from Cooney-Cross wide seven minutes later.
Victory continued to push for a second and Melina Ayres forced a low save from Richards after a pass from Lisa De Vanna eight minutes prior to the break.
The host had controlled proceedings but was pegged back on the stroke of half-time, Flannery getting in behind before finishing clinically to equalise.
De Vanna had an opportunity early in the second half, forcing a strong save from Richards at her near post following a pass from Jackson.
The second half was a battle, with only a last-ditch challenge denying substitute Annalie Longo from getting on the end of a Polly Doran cross.
Victory looked the more likely to find a winner as Richards made a great save to deny Longo in the 90th minute as the spoils were shared.
Result
Westfield W-League 2020/21 Round 10
Melbourne Victory 1 (Angela Beard 9′)
Canberra United 1 (Nikki Flannery 45+2′)
Next up
Victory has a short turnaround before hosting the Western Sydney Wanderers at Lakeside Stadium on Thursday, March 4.
