Manly United 1-1 Sydney University
Kahli Johnson came off the bench to rescue a point for Manly United with a second half equaliser, as the NPL Women’s NSW league leaders drew 1-1 with Sydney University at Cromer Park.
A loss in Round 11 will have undoubtedly left Manly with plenty to reflect on as they looked to consolidate their lead. The away side will not have looked to take a backwards step in this fixture however, and would have been focused on making life difficult for Manly.
And that they did, as they took the lead in the 16th minute through Talia Kapetanellis, who picked up a clearance from a corner in her own half and drove toward the Manly goal to eventually plant a sensational swerving finish from the left wing past the backtracking Nicole Simonsen, who was unable to prevent the goal despite getting a hand to the ball.
A major opportunity to equalise presented itself for Manly in the 75th minute after a defensive header backwards was latched onto by Kahli Johnson, with the substitute electing to chip the onrushing Baylee Broomhead with a finish that just crossed the line despite the goalkeeper’s best efforts to save it.
A late red card from Uni defender Amelia Feeney – taking out substitute attacker Ruby Vernon when she would otherwise have likely been through on goal in the 94th minute – saved a point for Sydney Uni, leaving Manly with the Macarthur Rams and APIA Leichhardt hot on their trail heading into Round 13.
By Football NSW
