Canberra FC 1 (Brigette Wright 53’) drew. Canberra United Academy 1 (Aoife Colvil, 51’)

Canberra FC and the Canberra United Academy shared the points in a physical encounter at Deakin Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Academy controlled the first half from kick-off, dominating possession and moving the ball through the back line in hopes of finding a gap in the Canberra FC backline.

The hosts meanwhile looked to attack on the counter when they dispossessed the Academy, with Chantel Jones and Diarna Genovesi looking dangerous when given the chance.

Both teams struggled to create chances during the first half though, with Sarah Morgan’s 27^th minute effort from long range that was tipped over the bar the best effort either side produced. 

The Academy lost Emily Jensen to a nasty shoulder injury during the later stages of the half, and Mark Risteski was also forced into an unexpected change as Chantel Jones left the pitch in the dying moments with a knee injury.

The second half began in different fashion to the first with chances coming early, and Aoife Colvill opened the scoring six minutes in with a brilliant effort from outside the area that nestled in the top corner and put the Academy in front.

That lead lasted just two minutes though as Brigette Wright charged down an attempted clearance from Isobel Davy and was able to tap the ball into the back of an open goal to level things up.

Both sides tired towards the end of a very physical encounter and Wright almost stole the game with a dipping effort from long range only to see it go just over the bar.

That was the last real chance of the game as the contest fizzled out, and it finished all square.

Canberra FC now look ahead to Sunday’s grand final rematch with Belconnen United, and the Academy turn to a clash with Tuggeranong United.