Melbourne Victory Women were minutes away from beating out top-of-the-table Melbourne City, but a late equaliser ensured a draw at crtl:cyber Pitch.
Victory came into the game with a familiar side, bringing Rosie Curtis into the starting XI for her first Ninja A-League start.
It couldn’t have been a more perfect start for Victory thanks to a mix-up at the back for the home side.
Rachel Lowe pounced on City’s defensive mistake and finished superbly past Malena Mieres, providing Victory with a 1-0 lead just 5 minutes into the game.
Although City were on top in both possession and shots on goal in the first half, Victory prevented any clear chances for their opponents while consistently threatening on the counterattack.
Claudia Bunge was inches away from doubling the lead after getting on the end of Alana Murphy’s dangerous corner delivery, putting her effort just wide of the post.
Victory entered the half-time break a goal up in the hot conditions at Casey Fields, causing the league leaders a number of issues on their home turf.
Jeff Hopkins introduced Holly Furphy into the game for a crucial second 45 minutes for Victory.
Victory did well in large parts to deny space for City, with the back four defending exceptionally well.
Emily Gielnik was at the centre of many attacks for Victory in the second half, driving down the right wing and pushing to double the lead.
While City progressively grew into the game and began to find some chances of their own, Victory had moments through Gielnik, Lowe and Pickett that scared the home side.
However, City eventually found an equaliser in the 89th minute thanks to Mariana Speckmaier – a heartbreaking moment for the side.
The full-time whistle was shortly after blown, wrapping up what was nearly an excellent win for Victory.
Thankfully, Victory as such remains just two points behind City in the league table – eager to pounce and jump to the top spot.
Victory now await a journey across the ditch to take on Wellington Phoenix on Saturday, February 8.
Match Details
Ninja A-League Round 14
Melbourne City 1 (Speckmaier 89′)
Melbourne Victory 1 (Lowe 5′)
Melbourne City Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 5. Taylor OTTO, 6. Leticia MCKENNA, 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 9. Holly MCNAMARA, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 14. Laura HUGHES, 17. Mariana SPECKMAIER, 18. Leah DAVIDSON, 19. Lourdes BOSCH, 27. Tyla-Jay VLAJNIC
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 7. Kathryn HARVEY (84′), 10. Rhianna POLLICINA (46′), 12. Shelby MCMAHON (75′), 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN (46′)
Melbourne Victory Starting XI: 50. Courtney NEWBON (GK), 3. Claudia BUNGE, 8. Alana MURPHY, 10. Alex CHIDIAC, 11. Nicki FLANNERY, 13. Sara D’APPOLONIA, 15. Emily GIELNIK, 18. Kayla MORRISON (C), 23. Rachel LOWE, 24. Laura PICKETT, 27. Rosie CURTIS
Substitutes: 62. Geo CANDY (GK), 5. Sofia SAKALIS, 7. Ella O’GRADY, 9. Holly FURPHY (46′), 41. Jessica YOUNG
