Box Hill United were unfortunate to take only the solitary point from their final home game of the season, as the Senior NTC grabbed a late equaliser to secure a 2-2 draw.
A free-flowing and attractive display from both teams throughout the match ensured an enjoyable night out, however the referee left the question of what if for Box Hill after an early free-kick was awarded on the edge of the NTC penalty area, for a foul that looked to have occurred inside the area.
The free came just minutes into the game, after Box Hill survived a potent early attack from the visitors.
Joey Cartwright, a stand out on the night, managed multiple shots at goal within the opening 15 minutes, taking advantage of terrific build-up play from the Senior NTC side.
Still early in the fixture, Georgia Koutrouvelis mounted an inspiring run up the middle of the park, skipping past players with the ball attached to her foot before eventually firing in a tired shot over the bar.
Melanie Camilleri also had an early chance after taking advantage of a turnover with the NTC keeper off her line, however the strikers attempt was just wide of goal.
It was Cartwright that would break the dead-lock and deservedly so, a gift for her hard work throughout the early stages.
Box Hill were indecisive in clearing danger in their defence and the ball fell to Cartwright’s feet behind the back-line; a quick touch and shot across goal leaving Melissa Barbieri no chance.
It was not long before the hosts replied however, through Elaina Vatcky seven minutes later.
Vatcky was played through with a sublime pass and in space, she settled on the ball and slotted nicely past the onrushing Teresa Morrisey.
With scores locked at 1-1, the second half lacked the same energy about it as the first, however the NTC put on a display of impressive combination build-up, enjoying long periods of possession.
As the match entered the final half-hour, Morrisey was called upon a final time before taking to the bench, denying Camilleri a certain goal with a fine save deep in the penalty area.
And it was Box Hill that took the lead with an unexpected ball falling to Hayley Geurts from a corner, she wasted no time in burying the chance to give the home side the lead.
NTC wasted little time with back-to-back chances eventually paying off, a break from the middle found Cartwright with support against the lonesome Barbieri.
She could do little to deny Cartwright her brace and the match opened up as both teams sought a late winner.
With time rapidly disappearing, Demi Kallianis came remarkably close to sealing the win for Box Hill, only to be denied by the post, and with that, the referee called an end to proceedings.
***
Box Hill United 2 (Vatcky 39’ & Guerts 77’) drew with Senior NTC 2 (Cartwright 32’ & 83’) at Wembley Park [HT: 1-1]
Box Hill United Squad: 11. Melissa BARBIERI (GK), 5. Sarah WALSH, 32. Penny BAKOPOULOS, 25. Alexandra AMORE, 2. Renee ZAIRIS, 14. Georgia KOUTROUVELIS, 4. Madelaine RICHARDSON, 3. Elise KYRGIOS, 18. Annie REMMAN, 9. Elaina VATCKY, 23. Melanie CAMILLERI, 15. Hayley GUERTS, 10. Rachel TOOSE, 19. Selena KARLSON, 8. Maia HEYSEN, 12. Demitra KALLIANIS
Yellow Card(s): Richardson 55’
Red Card(s): Nil
Senior NTC Squad: 16. Teresa MORRISEY (GK), 9. Joey CARTWRIGHT, 6. Adriana TARANTO, 17. Hayley RICHMOND, 13. Annabel MARTIN, 31. Coby MCINERNEY, 11. Whitney KNIGHT, 14. Edith FORDYCE-CROCKER, 8. Melissa TARANTO, 3. Natasha DAKIC, 7. Emily HARBIS, 1. Erin HUDSON, 2. Jaimee WILLIAMS, 36. Francesca IERMANO, 33. Ashleigh LEFEVRE
Yellow Card(s): Nil
Red Card(s): Nil