A super strike from Rebekah Stott has lifted Melbourne City to the top of the A League Women's ladder, earning them a 1-1 away draw with Central Coast in Gosford.
The start of the game at Industree Group Stadium was delayed for half an hour due to a power outage, but the crowd of 1273 witnessed a good end-to-end contest.
Both teams hit the woodwork In the first half, but the two goals came after the break.
Rola Badawiya put the Mariners ahead in the 53rd minute when she netted with a well-executed shot over City goalkeeper Lysianne Prouix after being put through by Isabel Gomez.
New Zealand international Stott pulled City level In the 78th minute with a left-foot curler from just outside the penalty area, her first goal since March 2020.
Both sides had chances to win the game, but the draw moved City one point above Perth into outright first and lifted the Mariners three places to seventh.
City looked the more dangerous side early on, but struggled to create clear-cut chances, and the Mariners threatened more as the game progressed.
The visitors had greater possession and territory, but Central Coast had four more shots and three more on target.
In the first half, the Mariners struck a post with a deflected cross, and City's Rhianna Pollicina smashed a shot against the crossbar.
Prouix made a smart double save to keep City In the game after they went behind, and Pollicina was denied an equaliser after Mariners goalkeeper Sarah Langman blocked her shot.
Both sides pressed for a winner after City drew level, with the Mariners' Wurigumula volleying over from close range, and dangerous Melbourne attacker Emina Ekic having a goal disallowed for offside.
