Sydney FC and Melbourne Victory played out the season’s first draw to complete round 4, in what was Matildas coach Alen Stajcic’s last match in charge of the Sky Blues.
In a tense encounter, both sides controlled large portions of the match with the Sky Blues opening the scoring in the 60th minute through Jasmyne Spencer in what was her fourth goal in as many matches as she buried from close range after being found by a fantastic whipped cross from Amy Harrison.
It appeared a fitting send off for departing Head Coach Alen Stajcic was on the cards until the Victory found momentum towards the end of the second half, eventually equalising through Gema Simon after Christine Nairn charged to the byline and found her with a cutback with four minutes remaining to earn the Victory a share of the spoils.
Neither side could find an opening in the first half in what was a real midfield battle. Both sides had chances to score with Servet Uzunlar directing a powerful header goal bound in the 15th minute that Davey did well to palm over, with Amy Harrison also proving lively down the right flank.
Victory threatened with Jackson and Nairn testing Casey Dumont in the Sydney FC goal in quick succession towards the end of the half. Jackson first firing a wicked volley into Dumont’s arms before a curling Nairn free kick, that looked destined for the top corner, was tipped over, however both sides went in even at the break.
Sydney FC started the second half the livelier of the two sides as they pressured the Victory defence time and again and that pressure showed as Jasmyne Spencer slotted her fourth goal in as many matches to put Sydney FC in the ascendancy.
Melbourne Victory weren’t to be perturbed however, as they began dominating possession forcing Casey Dumont into a number of fine saves, but that pressure told with four minutes remaining as Gema Simon was found unmarked in the box, from a Christine Nairn cross, to slot home from close range and earn the Victorians a share of the points.
Sydney FC’s new head coach Daniel Barrett will assume charge of his first match when Sydney FC travel to Magic Park to face the Newcastle Jets while Melbourne Victory will host the Lady Reds at Lakeside Stadium.
