Adelaide United Women have been denied their first win of the Westfield W-League season after conceding a controversial last-gasp penalty to draw 2-2 against Perth Glory Women at Marden Sports Complex on Friday night.
Chelsie Dawber scored her maiden Westfield W-League goal in clinical fashion, before turning provider for Mary Fowler’s stunning low strike just before half-time.
Crystal Thomas halved the deficit on 52 minutes before Morgan Andrews slotted a 93rd minute penalty to steal a point.
Ivan Karlović made one tactical change to his starting line-up with Mary Fowler returning from a minor ankle injury to lead the line. It forced a slight reshuffle as Chelsie Dawber moved into attacking midfield at the expense of Lais Araujo, who started from the bench.
Charlotte Grant had a great chance to put the hosts in front inside five minutes when she turned wide Mallory Weber’s low cross.
Sarah Willacy was then called into action, tipping a cross which deflected onto the crossbar.
She had the crossbar to thank again a minute later when Leticia McKenna’s header ratted the woodwork.
And the Reds shot-stopper was again heavily involved, producing a double save to deny both Thomas and then Celia Delgado from close range.
But after surviving a few nervy moments, Adelaide took the lead through Dawber on 38 minutes.
Dylan Holmes played a lovely ball over the top for the 19-year-old to control before confidently placing her finish into the bottom corner.
United doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time when Dawber squared a pass for Fowler, who from the top of the box, drove a sensational strike beyond Eliza Campbell.
Perth pulled a goal back seven minutes into the second-half after Thomas scored a wonderful solo goal.
Adelaide had chances to extend their lead after conceding; Weber saw a curling attempt spectacularly tipped over the bar, while Dawber had an effort blocked from close proximity.
It was a tense final few minutes and Adelaide were unable to hold on after Perth were given a contentious spot-kick which was converted by Andrews.
Key moments:
9’ | CHANCE: McKenna’s header hit the crossbar after the initial corner was not properly cleared.
19’ | CHANCE! Brooks’ close-range effort from Hogg’s free-kick ricochets off the upright.
38’ | GOAL! Dawber latches onto Holmes through ball before confidently running at goal and sliding her finish past the goalkeeper.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6119445325001
45’ | GOAL! Fowler doubles the advantage from the edge of the box with a brilliant driven strike that nestles in the bottom corner.
https://players.brightcove.net/5498268479001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6119445448001
52’ | GOAL: Andrews sends a long ball over for Thomas and she dribbles forward and cuts inside before dispatching a thumping finish into the net.
90+3’ | GOAL: Andrews converts a penalty to make it 2-2 for a apparent foul in the box.
Match details:
Friday, 3 January 2020
Westfield W-League 2019/20 Season – Round 8
Adelaide United Women 2 (Dawber 38’ Fowler 45’)
Perth Glory Women 2 (Thomas 52’ Andrews (p) 90+3’)
Venue: Marden Sports Complex
Attendance: 565
