Otago United showed character and resolve to earn a 0-0 draw against Auckland City at Kiwitea Street yesterday, in an ASB Premiership match crucial to both sides.
Auckland has an intimidating pedigree of having won national championships and Oceania trophies, but Otago did not allow a millimetre of space in defence.
"The lads put their bodies on the line today, never shirked a tackle, and in goal, Adam Highfield was superb," Otago coach Malcolm Fleming said.
"This was a 90-minute-plus performance, whereas last season we faded in some matches and paid the penalty.
"We also had our chances, as you do in this sort of closely fought match."
Tristan Prattley launched several typical curling crosses that created panic in the gusty wind, and one misdirected supposed clearance by Daniel Morgan required a super save by Auckland keeper Jacob Spoonley to tip the ball away to safety.
Paul Seaman might also have grabbed a goal with a strong shot, and, continuing his excellent form, Nathan Knox was hard to contain and earned Otago a few corners and freekicks.
Otago's best chance was probably in the 56th minute, when Knox clipped in a free kick, then Phil Ruggles fiercely hit the rebound, and it took a reflex effort by defender James Pritchett to head the ball off his own goal line.
Targetman Ruggles led the attack well, but was injured in the second half and required a late substitution from Aaron Burgess, who still showed his old sharpness that once earned him five goals in one national league match.
Tim Horner had his usual quality game in defence, with Tom Sadd in support and Prattley and Connor not only defending well, but they also delivered good ball forward.
Referee Mirko Benischke handled the hard-fought game sensibly.
Auckland's Ian Hogg, and Adam Dickinson required yellow cards, and Otago earned three - Connor, Seaman and Horner, who accumulated two, which meant he was sent off late in the 90th minute.
From a spectator's point of view it had all the elements of an exciting match - end-to-end play, with the gusty wind causing errors, and both sides launching free kicks and corners that might have produced a winner.
Auckland's class meant Otago eventually was driven on to the back foot, but Andy Coburn, fresh back from injury, battled well, as did Seaman in midfield and Connor at right fullback.
"We can build on this kind of performance," Fleming said.
"The spirit in our team is excellent, and we have players capable of doing damage to the opposition, as well as defending with spirit."
In the National Youth League, Otago United beat Manawatu 3-2, with goals by Sam Mepham, Liam Reilly and the match winner by centreback Matt Brook.
ASB League leader Waitakere beat Manawatu 4-0 to stretch its lead at the top, Canterbury and Hawkes Bay drew 0-0 to remain five points behind the leader, and Wellington moved up after beating Waikato 3-1.
ASB Premiership
The scores
Auckland City 0
Otago United 0
