Brisbane Roar and the Central Coast Mariners played out just their second ever stalemate in the Ninja A-League after Annalise Rasmussen’s double earned a point for the visiting side in a closely contested 2-2 draw.
The hosts were looking for their second straight win at Spencer Park after knocking off Canberra United in their last outing, and they were off to the perfect start through an Ashlyn Miller goal after just nine minutes. The American’s third goal of the Ninja A-League season was the product of a neat touch and finish from a Bente Jansen through ball that dissected the Central Coast defence.
But just five minutes later the Mariners were back on level terms and Annalise Rasmussen had her 10th goal of the Ninja A-League season as she converted her own penalty. She was brought down on the edge of the area by Leia Varley and referee Sophie Allum and pointed to the spot.
The hosts had the perfect opportunity to retake the lead just five minutes into the second half when Sharn Freier was found down the left wing in a dangerous position. She squared to Jansen but the ball continued across the face of goal when all it needed was a touch to send it goal bound.
Just over 20 minutes later the ball did indeed find its way into the Mariners’ net through an incredible 40m strike from Daisy Brown. A turnover in midfield saw Brown gifted the ball before she spun and spotted goalkeeper Annalee Grove off her line, lifting it from distance to score her third goal of the season.
However their joy was short-lived as the ruthless Rasmussen scored her second for the match and 11th of the season in a goal that was almost a carbon copy of the Roar’s opener. A ball through the centre of the park from Izzy Gomez split the hosts’ defence and Rasmussen made no mistake with the finish in the 77th minute.
The visitors almost snatched a win late-on with Peta Trimis cannoning a shot off the bar in the 88th minute, and there were further concerns for the hosts when Freier was substituted in stoppage time with an apparent knee injury, but neither team could break the deadlock and points were shared after an engaging duel from the top-four sides.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Annalise Rasmussen reflects on the Central Coast Mariners’ performance in Brisbane
Ashlyn Miller assesses Brisbane Roar’s 2-2 draw with the Central Coast Mariners
