In a cliffhanger of a game, Southern United had to come from behind twice to draw 2-2 with a top-quality WaiBOP United side at Forrester Park on Sunday.
The teams were closely matched, one point apart in the ASB National Youth League, and honours were shared at the final whistle, with both coaches thinking they might have won.
WaiBOP rocked Southern with early incisive attacks that earned a 9th-minute goal from blond curly-haired striker Dylan Bell, who gave Southern keeper no chance as he finished a quality passing movement and drilled his side into a 1-nil lead.
At that stage, WaiBOP played all the football, sweeping passes around, switching play and carving forward on repeated attacking runs that threatened Southern. But with some ''encouragement'' from coach Kevin Scoullar, the home side rose to the challenge.
Building on effective defensive play led by centre backs Tyrell Barringer-Tahiri and Keegan Taig, and with keeper Josh Dijkstra in fine fettle, Southern clawed its way back with a super goal from man-of-the-match Rahan Ali in the 29th minute.
The local supporters at Forrester Park roared encouragement. Level 1-1 at halftime, both sides could hardly wait to get started and WaiBOP continued to impress with classy passing. Southern claimed its share of midfield possession, with Ali having his best game this season and Riley Anderton finding space on the right wing and supplying crosses for the underemployed Lewis Jackson in central attack.
But failure to clear the ball after a set play cost Southern dearly as WaiBOP regained the lead 2-1 after 59 minutes through Scott Hillier. It took a massive effort for Southern to battle back into contention Coach Scoullar said, ''The lads showed real character to climb back into the game, and they showed real fortitude.
''Cody Brook hit a free-kick missile for us to again equalise, and in the latter stages when I brought on Jude Fitzpatrick, he crashed into their keeper challenging for a corner, and the ball ended up in their net. But a foul was awarded; otherwise we might have won.
''But it was a real learning situation. I'm sure both sides would benefit from the experience and it justifies the National League, as far as I am concerned. These lads would not face that sort of top class intense competition in local winter competition.
''And to come from behind twice showed that good old Otago spirit, which I try to foster,'' he said. WaiBOP coach Paul Drake was more than pleased with his side's overall play, and singled out captain Reid Drake, both centre backs, and Liam Hayes, who celebrated his 16th birthday with a top match in central midfield.
