Sydney University SFC scored late in a dramatic match in round 14 of the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition to secure a 1-1 draw against league leaders APIA Leichhardt in front of a healthy crowd at the Sydney Uni Football Ground.
The visitors hit the front with just over 15 minutes remaining through in-form striker Ash Crofts and looked set to break the record of nine straight league wins, which they currently share with Uni.
With three minutes remaining on the clock, defender Margaux Chauvet rose highest at the far post to head home an equaliser for Uni to break APIA hearts.
Despite their position on the ladder, it was obvious that Uni should be sitting considerably higher.
As a result, the opening half hour was quiet and aside from Rhianna Pollicina attempting to create something, there was nothing else to report.
The goalkeepers weren’t called into action until the 34th minute as Morgan Aquino had work to do with a half chance that was presented by the hosts.
Annabel Martin lined up a free kick from the edge of the area, curling her effort toward the back of the net, only for Aquino to save well.
At the other end, Sophia Varley wasn’t called upon until the final attack of the first half as Pollicina and Holly McNamara combined well outside the box, Pollicina pulling off a shot in the end, the Uni keeper saving to her right.
As APIA began to lift the tempo, they should have had the lead ten minutes after the restart.
A corner was flicked on to the far post where Crofts was waiting, after a fantastic initial touch, the striker’s shot was one to forget, sailing well over the bar.
The visitors continued to press as chances fell the way of Crofts, Sophie Hoban and the best of the lot to Holly McNamara, but Varley was not to be beaten.
That was the case until the 74th minute when Crofts finally got her goal.
Estelle Fragale picked up the ball on the left, delivered a delightful cross which was met by an even better header from Crofts as APIA hit the front.
The goal was Crofts 13th of the season.
With nothing to lose, Emily Husband threw all she had in the top third as Uni went in search of an equaliser.
And it would come with only minutes remaining.
Martin’s fine corner found Margaut Chauvex at the far post who headed the ball beyond Aquino and into the back of the net.
A well filled Sydney Uni Football Ground went off as the equaliser went in.
The action wouldn’t end there, with McNamara having one final chance for APIA to take the spoils.
As only Pollicina can, the midfielder played an excellent ball in behind the Uni defence for the speedy McNamara.
One on one with Varley, the keeper stood tall, McNamara’s final touch let her down and the Uni keeper saved and guaranteed her team a point.
Match Stats
Sydney University 1 (Chauvet 87’)
APIA Leichhardt 1 (Crofts 74’)
Sunday, 11 June, 2023
Sydney University Football Ground
Sydney University: 1. Varley, 2. G. Peak, 3. Martin, 4. Chauvet, 5. King, 7. Caspers, 9. Augoustis, 16. Rue, 21. Pritchard, 24. Feeney, 25. Agostino.
Substitutes: 8. Galic, 10. Polat, 11. M. Peak, 15. Lechner, 20. Beaufils, 31. Hromek.
APIA Leichhardt: 90. Aquino, 3. Borazio, 4. Prior, 9. McNamara, 10. Pollicina, 11. Crofts, 15. Pipino, 16. Fragale, 18. Hoban, 24. Young, 37. Milton.
Substitutes: 13. Urquhart, 14. Coco-Di Sipio, 17. Bozanic, 23. De Oliveira, 32. Daczko, 40. Vidakovic.
By – Nikola Pozder