Rachel Lowe’s second brace in as many weeks was vital as Melbourne Victory played out a dramatic 2-2 draw away to league-leaders Perth Glory.
Summary
Victory came into the game in goal-scoring form having put four past the Newcastle Jets last time out.
Jessika Nash almost continued that scoring hot-streak in the opening minutes when her cross from the right wing almost snuck into the goal but was kept out by the crossbar.
Kurea Okino also came close to opening the scoring early when she struck from outside the box with plenty of power, but she too was narrowly off target.
Victory looked most threatening in transition, pressing high up the field in an attempt to win the ball back in dangerous positions.
Despite the visitor’s strong start, it was the Glory who would land the first major blow through Hana Lowry.
A free-kick awarded on the edge of the penalty area after 20 minutes was in prime goal-scoring position, with Lowry stepping up to take full advantage and opening the scoring.
The one goal was enough to get Perth into half-time with a lead, whilst Victory needed a strong response in the second 45.
Jeff Hopkins made his first substitution during the break, as Ella O’Grady was brought on to replace Alana Murphy.
Lydia Williams was called into action early in the second half, making a brilliant save from close range just a few minutes after the re-start.
Victory did have the ball in the back of the net just prior to the hour mark when a corner was eventually turned home, but the offside flag denied the equaliser.
The situation appeared to be getting increasingly desperate for the visitors as the game edged towards its conclusion with Perth maintaining their 1-0 lead.
Victory were calling out for a hero – and Rachel Lowe answered the call.
First, a corner in the 79th minute eventually led to the ball rolling towards Lowe on the edge of the box, who seized the opportunity with a wonderful strike through a crowd of players and into the bottom corner.
However, Lowe was not content with just one goal.
Just minutes later, the midfielder found herself in an almost identical position just inside area, but this time struck a first-time volley which cannoned into the back of the net and put Victory in front.
A remarkable turnaround in a matter of minutes which seemingly had secured Victory an unlikely three points on the road.
The game though had one more twist in store, as in the final minute of injury time, Lowry stepped up once again and secured a brace of her own, tying the scores at 2-2.
A draw was the end result from a thrilling contest as Victory continued their resurgence following a slow start to the season.
Result
Perth Glory 2 (Lowry 24′ 90+6′)
Melbourne Victory 2 (Lowe 79′ 84′)
Next Match
Liberty A-League – Round 6
Melbourne Victory v Central Coast Mariners
Sunday 26 November
Kick-off: 2.00pm (AEDT)
Home of the Matildas
