Southern United will get one last crack at impressing its home fans when it hosts Wanderers at the Caledonian Ground tomorrow.
The first-round clash with the Wanderers side was like a microcosm of Southern's whole season.
A goal was conceded within a minute, a penalty was awarded against Mike Fridge's team, and at one stage Southern was 3-1 down with 20 minutes to go.
But keeper Tom Batty pulled off a great penalty save, then sub Jude Fitzpatrick scored and striker Tom Jackson hit an 85th minute equaliser.
Six goals are good spectator value, but did nothing for coach Fridge's heart rate, and he will be looking for a measured response and a win over Wanderers to end the season on a relative high.
The dream scenario would be a win that included a hat trick for Southern's hard-working captain, Tom Jackson, to grab a deserved lead in the Golden Boot chase.
Jackson is still second equal in the race with eight goals, while team-mates Andrew Ridden, Jude Fitzpatrick and Nick Hindson have two goals each. Wellington Phoenix winger Tyler Boyd leads the ASB Premiership scoring with 10 goals.
In a season full of team ailments and inconsistencies, dynamic striker Jackson has evaded injury, clocked up a huge amount of selfless running miles, and achieved cult status with his huge howitzer-like throw-ins to the goal mouth that pressured defences.
Few players can throw the ball as far as Jackson, especially with the flat trajectory he can create, and the wonder is that Southern did not capitalise more on that advantage.
The return of centreback Matt Joy last week was welcomed by Southern, and although he did not last the whole game, his height and authority obviously added to defensive stability.
A brave appearance by Chilean Eder Franchini Pasten, also returning from injury, heartened supporters, and while not up to full pace in the game, his presence this week could add another element to Southern's midfield play.
Keeper Batty did well in the first round to save a penalty and keep Southern hopes alive.
His reserve back-up is now youngster Josh Dijkstra, since former keeper Liam Little left for Australia.
However, Southern will miss experienced defender Craig Ferguson, due to suspension, and Cam Attwood and Jude Fitzpatrick are injured, so the tank is close to empty regarding defenders - except for Tom Connor, who is back in the squad this week.
Southern is seven points adrift of second-bottom placed Canterbury, so even if wins are achieved in the two remaining matches, Southern's disappointing bottom place in the nine-team ASB Premiership will not alter.
Wanderers coach Darren Bazeley has a wide squad of players preparing for the Fifa Under-20 World Cup, and his team has beaten Canterbury (twice) the Phoenix reserves, Waikato-BOP and Waitakere.
No soft touch, then, and it will require a final flourish from Southern to earn a win in its last game in Dunedin for the season.
Southern's last game is away to Waikato-BOP on March 14.
Southern v Wanderers
Caledonian Ground, tomorrow, 2pm
Southern United: Tom Batty, Ross Howard, Cam Attwood, George Milne, Taylor McCormack, Eder Franchini Pasten, Andrew Ridden, Thomas Jackson, Josh Stewart, Morgan Day, Tim McLennan, Tom Connor, Nicholas Hindson, Alistair Rickerby, Jude Fitzpatrick, David Hayman, Josh Dikkstra, Mike Neaverson.
Wanderers: Damien Hirst, Brock Messenger, Deklan Wynne, Te Atawhai Hudson-Wihongi, Adam Mitchell, Vincent Wiktora, Sam Brotherton, Moses Dyer, Nicholas Sugden, Andre de Jong, Judd Baker, Regont Murati, Clayton Lewis, Gowan Stares, Zac Speedy, Angus Kilkolly.
