A dramatic 89th-minute equaliser saw Central Coast Mariners pinch a point in wet conditions at Go Media Stadium, denying Auckland FC all three points.
The Black Knights dominated large periods of the contest and twice took the lead.
Steve Corica made a couple of changes to his starting XI, with Jake Girdwood-Reich slotting in at right back in place of an injured Hiroki Sakai, and Lachie Brook moving to the wing.
Auckland set the tone early, opening the scoring in the 12th minute through Jesse Randall, who finished clinically after being picked out by Guillermo May to claim his fifth goal of the season.
The Black Knights continued to press and created a host of chances to extend their advantage. Those missed chances proved costly when Central Coast striker Oli Lavale found space in the 44th minute and lashed a shot past Michael Woud with the Mariners’ first shot on target.
Order appeared to be restored shortly after the break when Sam Cosgrove rose at the back post to head home a pinpoint Francis de Vries delivery in the 58th minute. Auckland pushed hard for a third, with Randall, May and Brook all threatening as the Black Knights controlled the tempo.
However, despite Central Coast Mariners registering just two shots on target for the match, Lavale struck again in the 89th minute to level the scores.
Adding a personal touch to the occasion, Cosgrove wore a custom “09” jersey in honour of Auckland Anniversary Weekend, referencing the local area code for Auckland and Northland. This jersey will be auctioned off in the weeks to come.
Player of the Match: Louis Verstraete
Next Game: On Saturday, February 7th, we are back at home against Sydney FC. Tickets for this and all Auckland FC games can be bought here.
