Melbourne City made it a record-equalling 18 games unbeaten to start the Ninja A-League season after playing out a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Canberra United.
After controlling the game in the first-half, City finally made the breakthrough shortly after half-time when defender Taylor Otto caused havoc inside the Canberra box, getting the crucial touch before goalkeeper Sally James ultimately punched the ball into her own net.
The result sees Melbourne City extend their unbeaten run to 18 games – equalling a Ninja A-League record in the process – whilst also increasing their lead at the top of the ladder.
As for Canberra, the draw moves Antoni Jagarinec’s side level on points with sixth-placed Central Coast Mariners, albeit outside the top six on goal difference.
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Canberra keeper James was tested inside the opening 90 seconds of the game at McKellar Park, tipping Alexia Apostolakis’ cross over the bar before it crept into the back of the net.
James then pulled off another smart save to deny Bryleeh Henry before City should have taken the lead in the 30th minute.
Cutting the ball back after James had parried Leticia McKenna’s shot away from goal, Henry found Marina Speckmaier unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box however the Venezuelan scuffed her shot at the crucial moment and Canberra were able to clear.
However the league leaders continued to control the game after the restart and eventually took the lead in the 52nd minute.
An in-swinging corner into the Canberra box caused all sorts of problems for the home side as City defender Otto competed for the ball with goalkeeper James unable to prevent the ball from creeping in as she attempted to punch clear.
The home side responded well and could have been level in the 57th minute however Sofia Christopherson drove her shot over the bar from close range.
However the home side bagged the equaliser in hte 80th minute and it came from an uncharacteristic defensive error from City.
With an attempted back-pass to goalkeeper Melina Mieres played way too short, the Spanish keeper was caught in two minds as she attempted to intercept the ball ahead of the on-rushing Keane who, having got there ahead of the keeper, raced towards goal and slotted home the equaliser.
At the other end City were then thwarted from point-blank range as Speckmaier saw her powerful effort somehow palmed away by James on the goal line as the game flowed from end to end.
City then came closest to winning it in the 95th minute but Rhianna Pollicina’s fierce effort from inside the box was tipped over the bar before Canberra keeper James then produced another smart save to ensure the game finished in a 1-1 draw.
