Melbourne City was forced to settle for a share of the points on the first leg of our two-match Ninja A-League road trip, drawing 1–1 with Brisbane Roar on Tuesday night.
Holly McNamara’s first-half penalty extended her lead in the Golden Boot race and looked set to be enough to secure all three points, but a late long-range equaliser from the hosts ensured we had to make do with a frustrating draw in Queensland.
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Michael Matricciani made one forced change to his starting XI, with Danella Butrus ruled out of the away trip due to concussion protocols. Bryleeh Henry was handed her first start of the season in a like-for-like replacement on the wing.
There was also a welcome boost on the bench, with Shelby McMahon returning to the matchday squad for the first time in a month following a knee injury.
Starting XI: 24. Malena MIERES (GK), 8. Alexia APOSTOLAKIS, 13. Rebekah STOTT (C), 5. Taylor OTTO, 3. Danielle TURNER, 16. Karly ROESTBAKKEN, 6. Leticia McKENNA, 9. Holly MCNAMARA, 21. Aideen KEANE, 22. Bryleeh HENRY, 15. Chinaza UCHENDU.
Substitutes: 23. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 2. Ellie WILSON, 10. Izabella RAKO, 11. Deven JACKSON, 12. Shelby McMAHON, 17. Kaya JUGOVIC.
What happened?
The opening exchanges were relatively even, with neither side able to establish clear control in a scrappy start to proceedings. Brisbane looked to threaten on the counter in the ninth minute, but Alexia Apostolakis was well-positioned at the back and reacted sharply to clear the danger.
The first 20 minutes lacked fluency, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances as the game ebbed and flowed in midfield. Chinaza Uchendu had City’s first meaningful effort in the 35th minute, unleashing a powerful long-range strike through a sea of bodies, though Brisbane goalkeeper Chloe Lincoln was able to deal with it comfortably.
Momentum began to swing our way late in the first half, with Rebekah Stott rising highest to meet a well-delivered Apostolakis corner moments later, only to see her header held by Lincoln. The pressure continued to build, and after a series of flashpoints between Aideen Keane and Aimee Medwin, City was ultimately rewarded.
Keane was bundled over just inside the box in the 41st minute, and the referee’s attention turned to the penalty spot. McNamara stepped up confidently and, for the second game in a row calmly sent her spot kick into the back of the net to give us a deserved lead heading into the break.
City made one change at half-time, with Deven Jackson introduced for Uchendu, and we picked up where we left off with a strong start to the second period. We went agonisingly close to doubling our advantage in the 54th minute when Taylor Otto’s effort from a corner was well saved by Lincoln, before Henry’s follow-up was dramatically cleared off the line. The chance came amid a sustained spell of pressure that saw City win three consecutive corners.
Defensively, we remained solid for much of the night, with Leticia McKenna producing a crucial block in the 72nd minute to deny what looked to be a promising sight at goal for the hosts.
McMahon made her long-awaited return to the pitch in the 74th minute, replacing Henry after just over a month on the sidelines, as City looked to inject fresh energy into the contest for the closing stages.
Apostolakis continued to impress at the back, and our defensive structure held firm until late on. However, heartbreak struck in the 87th minute when Ashlyn Miller found space outside the box and unleashed a long-range strike that beat Malena Mieres, levelling the scores against the run of play.
Seven minutes of stoppage time were added, and both sides pushed hard in search of a late winner. City came closest when a last-gasp set piece found McMahon’s head, but despite the late drama, the points were ultimately shared.
What’s next?
City will remain on the road, travelling directly to Perth to begin preparations for Saturday night’s clash against the Glory as we look to complete the second leg of the trip on a positive note.
You can tune into the 8:00pm kick-off (AEDT) live and free via 10 streaming, or watch on Paramount+.
