Adelaide United Women and Newcastle Jets Women were forced to settle for an equal share of the points in a 2-2 battle in Round 9 of the Westfield W-League at Elite Systems Football Centre on Thursday night.
Goals from Adriana Jones and Alex Chidiac were not enough to hold on for a win, as Jenna Kingsley netted her brace to equalise against the hosts twice.
Adelaide United Women started the brighter of the two sides, and looked the more hungry for the three points and their first win of their Westfield W-League season. The Jets targeted Sofia Huerta as she made runs down the centre and right wing of the park, Adelaide Captain, Stella Rigon, fired the awarded free kick towards goal, which was thumped away by Katelyn Rowland.
After a close second free kick and Racheal Quigley almost getting on the end of a Jones cross, the Jets had their first chance of the game through Gema Simon, but proved no danger for Eliza Campbell.
It took 13 minutes for the home side to lead through Jones, slotting her shot past Rowland after an expert assist by Rigon. Jones netted her 4th goal this campaign for Adelaide United, and against her former club.
Alex Chidiac looked to double her side’s lead, but was thwarted by a steady Rowland. Although Newcastle did not rest, and equalised through Jenna Kingsley in the 22nd minute. A flurry of chances for the hosts were not enough to regain the lead before the break.
The second half produced a battle, with both sides endlessly fighting for a lead, with Adelaide looking certain to take away the three points, as Chidiac made her way past the Jets defence with a thunderous finish.
In Jets style, they fought back with their own chances and were rewarded a penalty after a push by Adelaide keeper, Eliza Campbell. Kingsley scored her brace and levelled the score line for a second time.
In a tantalising lead up to the end of the 90 minutes, both Adelaide and Newcastle were unable to a secure a victory after more opportunities, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seat, and were left to settle for a point each.
Adelaide United face reigning champions Melbourne City on Monday night, and Newcastle Jets will have a powerful Perth Glory ahead in Round 10.
