Soccer: Melville City preserves unbeaten streak with 1-1 draw with Swan Utd

MELVILLE City overcame a slow start to snatch a 1-1 draw with Swan United at John Connell Reserve and preserve its unbeaten run.

Finding itself a goal down after being outplayed in the first half, Melville rallied to claim a point after half time and extended its streak to seven games without a loss.

Swan, a spot below Melville in fifth on the table heading into the match, started strongly and its front two of Cameron Anderson and Marco Trimboli caused problems for Melville’s young backline.

Both had good chances early, the former forcing a save from Daniel Agudelo at his near post, the latter hitting the side netting soon after.

Swan finally took a deserved lead when Anderson tangled with Sherwin Tucker in the box and the referee awarded a penalty, confidently converted by John Monterosso.

Anderson nearly doubled the lead before the break after a clever run, but he shot just wide.

Melville coach Gavin Brown asked for a response at half time, although his side nearly went 2-0 down when Anderson again shot just wide.

However, as the half progressed, Melville grew in confidence and equalised when Cormack Abbott teed up Mark Lucas and Louie Granich turned home his cross.

The final 20 minutes was a flurry of excitement, as both sides went searching for victory.

Agudelo constantly repelled a barrage of corners and throw-ins from the visitors, while Granich sprayed an inviting chance high-and-wide.

However, neither side were able to make a breakthrough late and were forced to settle for a share of the points.