Jen Hoy equalised in the dying minutes for Newcastle Jets to deny Melbourne Victory a first win of the season.
Victory created quite a few early chances with Natasha Dowie threatening Newcastle’s defence line and resulting in multiple one-on-ones with American keeper, Katelyn Rowland.
On two occasions, Rowland was able to deflect each of Dowie’s one-on-one breakthroughs but on the third occasion Dowie was able to put Melbourne in front.
In the 17th minute, Dowie’s movement pulled Rowland off her line, leaving an open goal for Dowie.
Dowie remained a threat to the Jets’ defence throughout the first half and often made chances with any ball delivered to her.
Following Victory’s early dominance, it appeared that the Jets lacked urgency to retain possession, despite their strong passing.
The second half presented promising play by the Jets, dominating possession and displaying precise passing between Arin Gilliland, Grace Macintyre, Sophie Nenadovic and Ashlee Brodigan.
It wasn’t until the 84th minute that the Jets could get on the score board, with Chicago Red Stars striker, Hoy sealing her fourth goal of the season when going one-on-one with Victory’s keeper Bethany Mason-Jones.
Hoy used her left boot to curl the ball around Mason-Jones, striking the ball towards the bottom left post and seeing it deflect in.
With three minutes added time, Megan Oyster was brought into midfield when Gilliland was taken off due to an injury. Oyster had a final chance on goal but Mason-Jones was able to get a hand to the ball.
The referee’s final whistle left both the Jets and Victory frustrated with the draw, with both teams in need of a win to keep their season on track.
