Otago United's last ASB Premiership match of the season was not for the faint-hearted as the young team battled out a 3-3 draw in Hamilton with Waikato.
Only two competition points separated the teams, and with both keen to move up the table the match launched into high-tempo attacking play from the starting whistle.
Not the best preparation was a late fitness test which precluded Regan Coldicott and Donnie MacGregor.
Waikato started well, stitching neat passes together as coach Declan Edge has been preaching since he took over at the club.
But Otago had a sharp penetrating edge in Harley Rodeka, and on a typical attacking run he hammered in a strong shot that keeper Danyon Drake could not hold, and lurking close by, Ant Hancock pounced to score for Otago after 16 minutes.
Lots of good young talent was on display, as Aajay Cunningham laced one shot narrowly over the crossbar, then Tyler Boyd had the home crowd on its feet with a flashing shot which tested Peter Evans in the Otago goal.
The second half started with another classy run and shot by Rodeka, then Jesse Edge posted warning when his well-struck shot hit Otago's goalpost.
There was even drama with the match officials as top referee Peter O'Leary limped off to be replaced by Otago favourite Mirko Bernische.
Otago increased pressure, brought on Jude Fitzpatrick for Jose Cantello and in a move from the training ground, flicked the ball across goal, for Hancock to make it 2-0 after 62 minutes.
Coach Edge then made a double substitution, bringing on Mohammed Aidad and Jordan Shaw, which triggered a top passing movement that finished with Ryan Thomas clawing the score back to 2-1 after 68 minutes.
Three minutes later, Rodeka raced through and re-established Otago's cushion with a goal on the gallop to make it 3-1.
But Waikato kept buzzing and as coach Richard Murray replaced tired legs, Awad shot, keeper Evans blocked and Boyd dinked in the rebound for a pulsating 3-2 scoreline.
Boyd then hit a brilliant cross from the left that Thomas had to stoop to head in, and the match was even with 10 minutes to go.
Possibly a draw would have been fair, but Sam Mepham went close to glory for Otago when he hammered a shot over the crossbar just before the final whistle.
Coach Murray said: "We should have had the result wrapped up at 2-nil or 3-1, but all credit to Waikato, they kept coming at us." "Considering the continual changes we have had to make each week this season, our young players have responded well, and are already looking forward to next season's National League." Declan Edge, the Waikato coach, was clearly happy about his team's comeback, and will now have to concentrate on the final of the White Ribbon Cup against Team Wellington on April 1.
ASB Premiership
The scores
• Otago United: 3
Ant Hancock 2, Harley Rodeka
• Waikato: 3
Ryan Thomas 2, Tyler Boyd
Halftime: Otago 1-0.
