Western Sydney Wanderers battled back from a second-half setback to claim a 1-1 draw against Melbourne City in an intense Isuzu UTE A-League clash.
City’s veteran Aziz Behich put the visitors ahead in the 66th minute, capitalising on an intercepted pass from Wanderers defender Nathan Barrie to net his second goal of the season.
The Wanderers refused to back down, and just 11 minutes later, Bozhidar Kraev rose highest to head in an Angus Thurgate free kick, restoring parity for the hosts. The equaliser came at a tricky moment for City, who were down to 10 men with Harry Shillington waiting to return to the field.
The draw leaves City outside the top six on 22 points, just behind sixth-placed Adelaide United, while the Wanderers remain 12th on 16 points, still chasing a late-season surge.
The first half was a tactical arm-wrestle, with the Wanderers testing City goalkeeper Patrick Beach twice from 10 attempts, while the visitors managed their first shot on target only in stoppage time through Samuel Souprayen’s header.
After the break, Marcus Younis forced a sharp save from Lawrence Thomas in the 53rd minute, before Wanderers went close again as Steven Ugarkovic’s effort from the top of the box sailed just over the crossbar. The chance had been set up by Ryan Fraser, whose clever strike from a tight angle was parried by Beach.
Jacob Farrell made his first appearance in Wanderers colours, coming off the bench at halftime on loan from Portsmouth, adding fresh legs and energy to the side.
It was a gritty performance from the Wanderers, showing resilience and belief as they look to build momentum in the closing stages of the season.
