Albury United draws with Boomers to open up women's league battle

United moved eight points clear after beating Wangaratta last weekend, but gave two points back to the chasing pack with a result not many could have predicted.

The return of Sarsha Smith to the Boomers lineup was key as she and Lauren Antonello each scored.

Abbey Collins and Alicia Beer netted goals for the Greens to allow them to claim a point.

United could be without Brea Quinlivan for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

St Pats continued its good run of form, but were pushed to the limit in their 2-0 win against Melrose.

A goal to Claire Mahoney in the opening 10 minutes was all that separated the sides at the break.

Mahoney was denied on several ocassions by Melrose keeper Rachael Reitano, but Natasha Anderson was also on her game for St Pats, keeping out some quality chances from Maya Davis' boot.

Ashlyn Ridgeway sealed the result with a nice finish in the 84^th minute.

Davis and Mahoney were adjudged best afield.

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"Every time we play them they seem to turn it on and find their best game," St Pats coach Josh O'Farrell said.

"They're becoming a bit of a bogey team.

"We got the result, but we probably weren't as clinical in front of goal.

"I thought Katie Fruend was really good in the backline and made a lot of last ditch efforts, especially with Maya (Davis) there."

O'Farrell also praised Ridgeway's performance.

"She's a starting senior ladies player and it's starting to show in her game play and her confidence," he added.

Melrose coach Adam Waters admitted the difference in the game was St Pats took their chances.

"We could have had three or four at the end of the day, but we just couldn't put them away," he said.

"Maya certainly dominated up front.

"We're working on little things like passing and getting their confidence up.

"It's hard coming from not winning many games, but they've come a long way.

"I've always backed them, we've just lacked a bit of depth at times."

Wangaratta defeated Albury City 4-0 at home.

The senior women's ladder after round 10 is: Albury United 28, Wangaratta 22, Albury City 18, St Pats 16, Boomers 7, Melrose 6.