The South West Phoenix Firebirds dropped their first points of the season on Sunday with a dramatic 3-3 draw against the Northern Redbacks.
The Redbacks sensationally came from 3-0 down to snatch a draw, and, in doing so, saw the Firebirds’ lead at the top of the table cut to one point after five rounds.
Firebirds went into the game high on confidence after last week’s big win over Perth, but Redbacks showed, in the early exchanges, that this would be a much tougher assignment for the Firebirds.
Redbacks had some half chances early on, but Firebirds took the lead midway through the half when Eleanor Coventry got free and scored her 14th goal of the season.
Coventry nearly doubled the lead soon after but the diminutive striker saw her header come back off the crossbar with the keeper beaten. Firebirds had increased their control of the game as the half went on.
The score remained 1-0 at the break.
The second half saw the game open up a bit with both teams threatening to score.
Redbacks looked dangerous but mainly resorted to long range efforts, before Firebirds doubled their lead due to a fine solo effort from Lucy Scott, who used her pace and cut-in from the left before firing a low shot past the keeper.
When Courtney Butlion added Firebirds’ third soon after, it looked as if Firebirds would secure the points.
However, Redbacks continued to press and got a lifeline when they scored from a corner to make it 3-1.
Just minutes later, they were awarded a penalty, which was converted and suddenly the game was well and truly back on.
A frantic finale was on the cards, and the drama reached a climax with a stunning 25-yard strike from Redbacks to draw level at 3-3.
Neither team was able to grab a winner and the draw saw Firebirds lead at the top of the table cut to one point ahead of this week’s crucial match against third placed Subiaco.
Despite the late drama, there were plenty of lessons to be learned.
“We didn’t quite play to the standard that we want, but part of that is down to the pressure Redbacks put on us,” coach Stephen Suttie said of his team’s performance.
“It’s disappointing to not win having been 3-0 up, but the score flattered us at that point, and overall it’s probably a fair result.
“There are plenty of lessons to learn from the game for our young team, and that’s what we want.”
Firebirds are at home to Subiaco on Sunday, May 13 with kick-off at 2pm.
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