WAGGA City Wanderers' finals destiny has been taken out of their hands after a frustrating stalemate at home against Weston Molonglo on Saturday left their top four hopes on life support.
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Queanbeyan's 1-0 loss to ANU meant a win would have propelled Wanderers into the top four, with a win next week at Queanbeyan to guarantee a National Premier League ACT playoff berth.
But the Wanderers were left to rue several missed goal scoring opportunities, ending a three-game winning streak.
Wagga City were reduced to ten men with about 35 minutes left after midfielder Andy Gamble was sent off for retaliating after he was brought down.
The hosts still created chances with Zach Pinney, Jake Ploenges and Nick Kennedy in particular having opportunities to break the deadlock, but had to be content with a draw.
They now must beat Queanbeyan in their last regular season game next week, and hope Queanbeyan lose to Narrabundah in the final round, to make finals.
Defender Caylum Barber also came off with a cork in the early stages and is in doubt for next week.
"It was a solid game and a good performance, we just couldn't get the result," Wanderers coach Ross Morgan said.
"We're still in with a shot (of finals) but it looks less than likely.
"You've got to look at he positive, we played quite well with ten men for the last 35 minutes, but we still pressed on and created chances.
"It was a pleasing performance, unfortunately we didn't match it with a win."
Morgan said the team had no issues with the decision to send Gamble off.
"No arguments from us, he apologised to the lads after the game and he was distraught because he knew he made a mistake," Morgan said.
"He lowered his head but he pulled out as he was doing it, he didn't connect or anything."
The Wanderers also expect to raise $11,000 at their annual charity game for under-16 academy squad player Jonathan Mulhearn and sister Rachel, whose father Mark died in April this year.
About $8500 was raised through the auctioning of their one-off playing strips they wore in the match.
The Wanderers under-20s also lost 2-1, but can seal a finals spot with victory next week.
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