A LATE strike by Matt Sljivic salvaged a point for Melville City as it drew 1-1 against Shamrock Rovers in Round 3 of the State League Division 2.
Slijvic’s injury time equaliser rescued a deserved point for the hosts, who played most of the game a goal down.
In an open game, both teams enjoyed periods of possession but for the most part were not able to test the opposition’s keeper.
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READ NOWShamrock opened the scoring after a quarter of an hour when their striker was afforded time on the edge of the box and his crisp strike found the bottom corner.
Dave McNally almost equalised when the ball fell to him at a corner, but his shot on the turn cannoned back off the post.
Charlie Bush had a penalty shout for the home side late in the half when he collided with the goalkeeper in the box, but the referee waved away his appeals.
Christian Long almost equalised when he beat the offside trap early in the second half, but the goalkeeper stood tall to make a double save.
Despite having plenty of the ball, Melville were restricted to half chances, with Scott Campbell’s curling effort and Denaudo Murray’s header their best efforts.
Daniel Agudelo then produced a stunning one-handed save to deny Rovers from sealing the points.
Just as it looked like Melville would succumb to their second straight league loss, Long’s cross was met by substitute Sljivic, who emphatically fired past the goalie to earn a late draw.
In other results, Melville’s 18’s and Reserves cruised to easy 11-1 and 6-0 wins respectively.
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