A predictably volatile clash between Caversham and Mosgiel lived up to expectations as the Football South Premier League leaders fought out a 2-2 draw at Tonga Park on Saturday.
The result kept Caversham's unbeaten record intact at the top of the FPL table, and was good enough for it to retain the Blair Davidson Challenge trophy.
The game started in a cautious mode, with Caversham playing into a wind that grew stronger as the game progressed, and it was Mosgiel in charge midway in the half, but there were few shots at goal.
However, both keepers had to be alert. Mosgiel's Zane Green tipped one effort on to his crossbar then had a scramble to retain possession when Caversham forwards tried to force the ball in.
At the other end, Callum Flaws also had to stretch to tip a rare shot over his crossbar, and at halftime the large crowd buzzed in expectation.
Mosgiel's passing game set up steady ball possession, while Caversham went for quick breaks, despite striker Tom Jackson playing a deeper role in midfield. The Reds also earned a series of corners that tested Mosgiel.
The first goal was always going to be important, and despite both sides not fully utilising set plays efficiently, it was a 52nd minute free kick that broke the stalemate.
Mosgiel coach Andrew Brook's son, Cody, laced a superb left footed drive into the top left of Caversham's goal, giving keeper Flaws no chance.
Young Brook is developing into an impressive wide midfield attacker who has an eye for goal, and he showed good skills with his venomous shot, which sparked Mosgiel celebrations.
But there was plenty of game time left and as the home side cranked up a gear, Jackson pushed forward to join brother Lewis, and fullback Craig Ferguson showed pace and no mean skills to overlap and deliver low crosses.
Mosgiel midfielder Eder Franchini demonstrated his range of passing skills, alternating short set up passes with some booming switch plays. Morgan Day and Rahan Ali were industrious in support and a less than fit Regan Coldicott led the Plainsmen's attack.
A sustained spell of pressure saw Caversham threaten the Mosgiel goalmouth and when the ball was not cleared, up stepped Tore Waechter to drill in a 74th minute equaliser just inside the post.
The gloves were definitely off and it took Mosgiel just two minutes to regain the lead again as Ali cut in from the right, slid a pass along the edge of the box and Brook hit No2 past keeper Flaws.
From the earlier tight team shapes, both sides opened up, playing stylish football backed with physical challenges that referee Darren Sundborn had to monitor.
In the 83rd minute, Michael Hogan equalised again after sustained pressure on Mosgiel's goalmouth, and a collective sigh of relief wafted round Tonga Park.
Caversham coach Tim Horner had a wry smile when he said he wanted his side ''to be tested, but not to lose''. He was pleased the Challenge Trophy was retained.
Mosgiel coach Brook thought his side controlled most of the first half.
''I am not unhappy, but we probably did enough to win,'' he said.
Northern broke its drought with a clear 2-0 win over University, thanks to goals by Taylor Quirk and Paolo Timajo. Dunedin Technical closed in on the FPL leaders with a 4-0 win over Green Island at Sunnyvale.
