Both the Central Coast Mariners and Canberra United left polytec Stadium feeling somewhat downbeat on Sunday afternoon after playing out a fiery yet frustrating 0-0 draw.
Canberra United had the first good chance of the game as Matildas striker Michelle Heyman shot straight at keeper Annalee Grove as she attempted to find the bottom corner in the 32nd minute.
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Isabel Gomez then went for the spectacular in the 37th minute and it almost paid off as she collected the ball inside the Canberra half and looked to lob keeper Sally James, however the shotstopper scrambled back onto her line and clawed the ball back to safety to keep it goalless.
Canberra almost took the lead on the approach to half-time as Bethany Gordon whipped a right-footed free kick around the wall that was destined for the back of the net before Grove sprang to her right and pushed the effort away for a corner.
Gomez and Gordon then sparked a flash point in the 65th minute as Gordon stopped a Mariners attack by pulling Gomez’s shirt, an action that provoked Gomez into kicking out at her opponent in frustration with both players eventually booked for their roles in the melee.
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Both sides upped the ante in the final stages as they pushed to find a late winner and Canberra sub Kiara De Domizio lashed a powerful effort into the side netting as the game ticked into four minutes of stoppage time.
Substitute Mary Stanic-Floody take aim from distance and her powerful low shot looked destined for the bottom corner before Grove got down well to palm the ball away to ensure both sides secured a point at polytec Stadium.
The result means Central Coast Mariners missed out on the chance to guarantee their spot in this season’s Final Series whilst Canberra United blew the chance to leapfrog Wellington Phoenix into second spot.
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Currently sat sixth on the ladder, the Mariners face Sydney FC in the final round of the season and will book their place in the finals should they equal Melbourne Victory’s result given they currently sit two points ahead of Victory on the ladder.
As for Canberra, Antoni Jagarinec’s side will now head into the final round of the season knowing that a win over Brisbane Roar coupled with a Wellington draw or loss against Adelaide United will see them finish in second place.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WHAT THEY SAID
Mariners midfielder Greta Kraszula spoke to Paramount+ after the draw at polytec Stadium.
Canberra United stalwart Emma Robers joined commentator Teo Pellizzeri after the full time whistle.
