Casey Comets have earned their second point of 2015, settling for a 0-0 draw against NTC in the exact same circumstances as the corresponding fixture earlier in the season.
In a contest void of many opportunities either way, both sides were left frustrated at not being able to make the crucial breakthrough.
Casey pressed aggressively throughout first half, denying time and space for NTC to build up, especially in midfield.
In 11th minute, some good build up play between Edith Fordyce-Croker, Adriana Taranto and Melindaj Barbieri almost sent Whitney Knight through on goal.
But in a sign of things to come, a resolute Casey back four did not allow the key pass to get past them, suffocating the NTC of time and space on the ball.
In 22nd minute, a similar forward moving combination on the right hand side saw a piercing through ball from Mel Tranato to Whitney Knight cut off just as she looked for a low cross into the path of Baribieri, who worked tirelessly as a striker in the first half.
Annabel Martin worked hard to get up the field, but her progress was halted by some physical work by Casey midfield, including a very tough foul in the 44th minute that forced her to be substitued.
Casey had chances from corners and throw-ins near the NTC box, but were wasteful with poor delivery and a strong wind resulting in most balls going out for goal kicks.
After the break, the hosts came out with a different formation, looking to overload the Casey midfield.
As the half wore on, the Comets energy waned giving NTC the ascendancy.
In the 53rd minute, a through ball from Knight to Joey Cartwright was an early warning sign, but the heavy pass eluded the attacker.
Soon after, a throw-in deep in NTC territory led to a dangerous volley from the Comets’ Shaunna Murray, but ball dipped too late and went over Teresa Morissey’s crossbar.
Back on the park and in a midfield role, Annabel Martin was a driving force for NTC, looking for a reverse pass to Cartwright, but again, the ball rolled harmlessly to Casey GK.
NTC’s ability to press and attack quickly from central midfield became the defining element of the second half, with the most dangerous moment coming as Martin played a killer through ball to Knight, who took her first touch around the keeper but saw her finish denied by a heroic slide by Raelynn Mikell.
The referee had adjudged Knight’s first run to have been offside, but it remained the most exciting play of the game.
NTC continued to drive forward looking for the go-ahead goal, but it wasn’t to be, as the visitors’ sturdy defence held on for a crucial point.
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Referee’s report currently unavailable.