Waitakere 2
Otago United rattled the cage of Waitakere at the Caledonian ground yesterday and it took a late equaliser for the Oceania and New Zealand Football Championship leader to get away with a 2-2 result.
It was Otago's second drawn result against the champion.
Wintry conditions were demanding and, especially in the latter stages of the game, required Otago to show great stamina and character to match the slick-passing Aucklanders.
But while legs were still fresh, Otago traded blow for blow and an ‘‘in your face'' approach earned possession to launch attacks that always looked capable of producing a goal.
Playing their best football of the season, Andy Coburn and Matt Stares slammed on tackles and easily matched Waitakere's Hoani Edwards and Chris Bale.
Aaron Burgess and John Lange led the attack with lungbursting runs that pressured possession and earned territorial advantage through free kicks and throw-ins.
And it was from a free kick in the 18 minute that Burgess repeated the super strike he inflicted on Manawatu, when he drilled a grass-cutter through Waitakere's defensive wall that gave keeper Richard Gillespie no chance.
A goal down, the visitors lifted their game a notch, and Otago's central defence of Colin Falvey, John Chisholm and Mike Smith had to repel a series of attacks.
Fullbacks Hayden Gunn and Jesse Malloy allowed few clean crosses and in goal Liam Little had to leap and punch his way out of danger.
But Otago was true to its curse of conceding late goals towards the end of each half. Keeper Little could not hold a strong shot from Allan Pearce, and when the ball fell loose, in darted Commins Menapi to equalise.
Any thoughts of respite for Waitakere coach Chris Milicich vanished early in the second half, however, when Stares launched a left wing corner, and an acrobatic volley by Chisholm that hit the net, to put Otago again in front.
Running on confidence and adrenalin, Otago's Burgess hammered another volley just over the crossbar, and an even better left-footed volley on the turn by Coburn left Waitakere's goalpost vibrating.
But Jonathan Perry led by example from the back, and Waitakere's passing game returned, forcing Otago to burn energy by switching attacks from wing to wing.
Referee Chris Kerr had to exert control as tempers frayed, and assistant Otago coach Malcolm Fleming was sent from the touchline.
Just when it looked as if Otago had survived, Waitakere's pressure paid off with a right wing corner that was swung back across the goalmouth and Tim Myers, an under-17 international climbed high to head in a well taken equaliser.
Coach Milicich was philosophical.
‘‘We got what we wanted. Our attack lacked polish in the box, but credit to Otago. They are an improved side.''
Otago United chairman Dave Lamont complimented his team on its total dedication and unflagging work rate.
‘‘They almost beat the Oceania and NZFC champs, and gave the Otago crowd some superb entertainment. Well done, chaps.'
