The Brisbane Roar have failed to boost their chances of claming the Westfield W-League Premiership after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw with the Newcastle Jets at Ballymore.
Brisbane controlled their final game of the regular season, but were unable to register a winning goal, leaving them just three points clear of Sydney FC, who have two games in hand.
Tameka Butt turned in a virtuoso performance in attack for Brisbane, but her efforts were negated by ineffective support and a flawless performance from Newcastle shot-stopper Allison Lipsher.
Brisbane started the match pushing forward into the attacking third, but the physical Newcastle defence were able to stifle the final pass and limit shooting opportunities.
Brisbane continued to attack and Jets keeper Lipsher was called into action again to diffuse a testing cross from Joanne Burgess.
Nicole Cross had the first chance for the visitors at the eight-minute mark, but was unable to make the most of a fluent build-up, directing her headed effort over the crossbar.
A well-weighted chip from Melissa Feuerriegel allowed Kate Hensman to fire at the Brisbane goal, but the home side were straight back on the offensive, and Butt replied with a threatening volley from inside the area moments later.
A clever exchange of passing at the top of the 18-yard box saw Lisa De Vanna into space and in on goal, but after her shot beat Lipsher’s dive the woodwork intervened to keep the home-side scoreless.
The Roar continued to enjoy the best of the possession and opportunities in a disjointed opening half, yet their composure in front of goal was lacking, and with a couple more classy saves from Lipsher, the visitors were allowed to head to the break on level pegging.
The two sides traded ineffective, long-range shots to open the second frame, and Newcastle were, for a time, a more competitive side, as they found some rhythm working the ball around the park.
The Roar were attempting a more patient brand of football, with square-balls and back-passes, but their penetration was minimal and clumsy mistakes ensured they were unable to sustain pressure.
Emily Gielnik and Amy Chapman were brought on to replace Burgess and Harch in a 62nd minute double change, as Brisbane turned up the intensity in their chase for the three competition points.
Butt continued to look the most likely of the Roar players to spark something in attack, but her probing crosses from the right-hand flank went begging time and again, as the Brisbane forwards struggled to find position in the box.
Butt attempted to take things into her own hands in the 80th minute, but after breaking through to go one-on-one, she had her shot smothered Lipsher.
De Vanna appeared set to claim a late winner in the final minute of regular time, but after making space at the top of the area, her shot appeared to be blocked by the arm of a Newcastle defender and referee Catherine Hoffmann controversially turned down appeals for a penalty.
Brisbane Roar 0
Newcastle Jets 0
