Two late goals saw South Melbourne FC and Auckland FC settle for a share of the points in an intense encounter in Melbourne.
Auckland FC finished Round 2 top of the league, but South Melbourne FC remained the only side yet to suffer defeat, hovering only a few points behind the New Zealanders.
The opening 45 minutes were high on energy and effort, but with few clear-cut chances to speak of.
Auckland FC just about shaded the half, with Reid Drake and Liam Gillion looking dangerous, the former dragging an effort narrowly wide from a tight angle.
Teammate Matt Ellis had the best chance of the half, the attacker set free down the right-hand side but blasted his effort over the bar when well placed.
For the home side, Jacob Eliopoulos went closest, scrambling an effort from a corner-kick that ended up in the grateful hands of goalkeeper Oscar Mason as Auckland FC survived.
Tempers flared as the sides departed for half-time and the energy continued to rise as the action resumed.
Chances however, were becoming few and far between, with the physical exertions of both sides taking a toll.
Yuki Uchida was presented with a great chance to break the deadlock late on, when an excellent cross from substitute Arran Cocks found the Japanese forward only eight yards out, but his volleyed effort was straight at Mason.
Mason stood out again moments later, saving first from Max Mikkola and then from Jack Painter-Andrews in a matter of seconds to keep the scores level.
Captain Marco Jankovic had an even better chance minutes later, with a free header from close range – the defender however glanced wide with the goal at his mercy.
Auckland FC pushed as the minutes ticked down. Liam Gillion – who had been quiet for much of the evening – flashed a left-footed effort narrowly wide on a rare foray from the New Zealanders.
There was more to come from Gillion however. Picking the ball up deep in his own half, the pacey winger ran the length of the field, weaving past the South Melbourne defence before sneaking the ball past Diaz Lopez to seemingly clinch victory.
The home side weren’t to be denied however and it was Jacob Eliopoulos who rose highest from a corner to head past Mason and secure a crucial point for South Melbourne.
South Melbourne FC: 1 (Jacob ELIOPOULOS 90+6′)
Auckland FC: 1 (Liam GILLION 89′)
HT: 0-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek