Comets goalkeeper Emma Bracken played her second game back from injury on the weekend and was pivotal in her club’s 1-1 draw with Preston.By Marc McGowan
A TENSE 1-1 draw with the Preston Lions at B.T. Connor Reserve on Sunday has the Casey Comets on target to achieve their latest goal of snatching sixth position on the Football Federation Victoria Women’s Premier League table.
A finals appearance has been off the radar for several weeks for the Comets, so coach Deborah Nichols has challenged her side to finish as high as possible.
Casey is locked in a three-way battle for the spot with Keilor Park and the Lions, although the latter two have much more difficult assignments in the final two rounds of the season.
The Comets and Preston have a long history and also drew 1-1 in round 10, when tempers flared continuously.
This match was no different, with Nichols claiming the weather was not the only heat the players dealt with.
A dubious penalty was awarded to the Lions against Shuanna Murray in the 15th minute and Sarah Lovett made no mistake from the spot kick to register her 11th goal of the year.
Casey has struggled when falling behind in 2007, but an error by Preston’s goalkeeper allowed Belinda Powell to swoop.
Powell coolly collected possession and stepped around the desperate goalkeeper to produce the equaliser in the 30th minute.
The game was poised at 1-1 at the break and an exciting second half was on the cards.
As with the round 10 clash, the tension between the sides grew in the second 45 minutes as they strived for victory.
The Comets handed promising 14-year-old Talia Silivestros an opportunity in the final half hour and the diminutive forward did not look out of place.
But neither team could find the winner despite gilt-edged chances for both.
Casey goalkeeper Emma Bracken, in her second game back from injury, was outstanding and prevented many Lion attacks, while Murray, Marcie Algeria and Vanessa Hellar were also good.
Nichols was disappointed not to pocket the three points, but in hindsight was pleased to escape from the difficult fixture with a draw.
“We would have preferred a win, but in the circumstances it is not the best place to play,” she said.
“We had a couple of chances and one right at the death, but it didn’t fall our way.”
The Comets’ reserves lost a heartbreaker 4-3 to Preston after leading 3-2 with 15 minutes left in the contest.
“It was a bit disappointing because we fell in a heap,” Nichols said.
“The majority of the team worked their pants off, but some didn’t work as hard as they needed to.
“We’re looking to recruit into that team next season and find players who want to train twice a week and are fit and committed.”
Casey plays its final home outing on Sunday against WVSA at Comets Stadium.
The reserves take to the pitch at 11am before the seniors suit up at 1pm.
