Darebin Falcons went looking for their second win of the Metro North West League season on Sunday after suffering a heavy defeat the previous week.
It was always going to be a tough ask against visiting Watsonia Heights, who had notched a 14-3 victory in their opening match of the season.
And for the first 20 minutes at AH Capp Reserve, it appeared the Falcons would be in for a tough afternoon as the visitors looked to have too much run, taking a 1-0 lead.
But slowly Darebin worked their way back into the contest and started holding their own in midfield, creating plenty of chances themselves.
Amy Higginson got on the end of one, chasing Laura Mark’s clearance and neatly tucking the ball past the on-rushing keeper to tie the scores.
Having worked so hard to draw level, the hosts were left frustrated when Watsonia were gifted a second goal just before half-time, but a rousing pep talk rallied Darebin and, with Sina Pankoke leading the way, it was they who dominated much of the second half.
Right winger Pankoke was instrumental in the equaliser when it came, her cross falling to Bridget O’Grady who needed no second invitation to poke the ball home from close range.
Playing at creek level, the ‘Heighters’ suddenly appeared to have altitude sickness.
Having resorted to aggressive tactics for much of the match, they seemed unable to change their game plan to achieve what would have been an expected easy victory for them.
It was the Falcons who were playing the better football and pushing forward but just could not provide the finishing touch when needed.
The match appeared to be heading for a draw when, at the last, another defensive lapse let in Watsonia’s speedy striker for a wholly undeserved winner, no doubt allowing the visitors’ competitive coach a huge sigh of relief for having escaped with the three points.
This weekend, Darebin travel to Broadford to take on Mitchell Rangers.