Melbourne Victory and Perth Glory played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw on Friday evening, highlighted by Rachel Lowe’s sixth goal of the season.
Summary
Victory came into the game in need of a positive result having endured a difficult few weeks on the pitch.
Jeff Hopkins’ team made a promising start to the contest, regularly winning the ball high up the pitch and making forays into the Glory penalty area.
The strong opening was rewarded just prior to the half-hour mark, when Jamilla Rankin delivered a superb cross and found the head of Rachel Lowe.
The attacking midfielder made no mistake with the finish, calmly heading past the goalkeeper to put Victory in front.
Perth improved as the half continued, but had no response to the Lowe goal in the opening 45.
The second half was a similarly tight contest, with chances from open play proving difficult to come by.
Perth though were persistent and eventually found the equaliser right on the hour mark.
A corner routine saw Hana Lowry send the ball into the box from out wide, which found its way past everyone and into the back of the net.
Hopkins turned to his bench as his team looked to regain their lead with Lia Privitelli adding pace out wide.
Lowe almost scored her second of the game when she struck sweetly from just inside the area, but the attempt was well saved.
Emily Gielnik made her return as the game entered its final 15 minutes, as Victory continued to hunt a winning goal.
Ultimately though, neither side was able to secure the win.
A first point in four games for Victory, who will look to build on their improved performance when they travel to Canberra next week.
Result
Melbourne Victory 1 (Lowe 28′) Perth Glory 1 (Rankin (OG) 60′)
Next
Liberty A-League – Round 13
Canberra United v Melbourne Victory
Saturday 20 January
Kick-off: 5.00pm (AEDT)
McKellar Park, Canberra
