BALLARAT Eureka Strikers have scratched out a disappointing draw against Brighton FC in women’s state league one.
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The home side dragged the previously flying Strikers down a level on Sunday, forcing a frustrating 1-1 scoreline in round-six action at Dendy Park.
The Strikers were clearly reeling from Thursday’s Team App Cup two-day turnaround and subsequently lacked their trademark sharpness and precision moving forward.
Brighton opened scoring in the 54th minute after a lack-
lustre opening half, punishing Ballarat’s lax marking in the box when the latter failed to clear a dangerous ball.
The Strikers hit back within five minutes when Jasmine Emselle struck home from a scramble in the box after a corner.
Twice it appeared the Strikers had found the drought-breaker during the second half – with a strike from Lulu Al-Huneidi that hit the underside of the crossbar and an Emselle header both denied by the referee, who ruled the ball did not cross the goal line.
Ballarat’s defence stood firm in the closing stanza, with Millie Martin and keeper Jasmina Zdelar both working tirelessly in the face of increased pressure.
However, centre-back Holly Williamson was withdrawn shortly after half-time while struggling with an old hip injury. Ballarat officials will wait anxiously on Williamson’s recovery during the week.
The result drops the Ballarat Eureka Strikers to third on the table, one point behind University of Melbourne and North Geelong Warriors, while Brighton drops from fifth to seventh.
The Strikers will need to regain top form quickly, with games against the physical but lowly Preston and respective first and second-placed North Geelong and University of Melbourne to come in the following three rounds.