A late Jess Fishlock equaliser ensured Melbourne Victory took a point away from Sydney FC, but the league leaders will be left wondering just how they did not win the contest after the 1-1 draw.
Victory dominated the match from the outset, but paid for their profligacy in front of goal when Emma Kete netted against the run of play.
The New Zealand international made the most a kind rebound, after Caitlin Foord’s wonderful shot on the turn allowed her to tap in from six yards.
It was their first attempt on goal for the match, which was in stark contrast to Victory’s tally at that point.
Lisa De Vanna was one of the side’s best outlets in the game, and had a golden chance to put Victory ahead on 16 minutes when she spotted Casey Dumont off her line, but her lobbed effort went just wide of the post.
The visitors went even closer in the 23rd minute when Jessica Samuelsson hit the crossbar with a curling left footed effort, after being played in by Jess Fishlock.
All the good work was undone though, as Caitlin Foord brought the home crowd to their feet with some deft footwork.
Looking as if she had nowhere to go, Foord spun around in lightning fashion to beat the challenges of Fishlock and Katie Hoyle who thought they had her surrounded.
Her shot on the turn then cracked the crossbar and Kete gratefully tapped in the rebound.
It was highly frustrating for Victory, who were squandering some great chances as Gulcan Koca skied high and wide just before the break.
Victory were enduring a disheartening afternoon in front of goal for Victory as shots either went wide of the post or straight at goalkeeper Casey Dumont.
Enza Barilla, De Vanna and Fishlock failed to adequately test the Sydney custodian, with weak shots going straight into her grasp.
Even the introduction of Laura Spiranovic failed to have the desired impact with the striker somehow missing the ball after a De Vanna cross in the 76th minute, before failing to get a foot on the ball from a dangerous Catley cross a minute later.
They eventually found the breakthrough, after some brilliant build up play.
Barilla found herself in space within the 18 yard box, and cut a pass back to an on-rushing Fishlock who finished smartly past Dumont.
Victory were unable to go on to find a winner however, and had to settle a share of the points.
Team Lineups:
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Subtitutes:
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Substitutions:
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Scorers:
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