Late drama saw the spoils shared between the competition’s top two, as Auckland FC and South Melbourne FC played out a gripping draw in Melbourne.
Auckland arrived having finished Round 2 at the top of the league, while South Melbourne remained the only unbeaten side in the league, sitting just a few points behind – setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter.
The first half was played at a fierce tempo, full of intensity but short on clear-cut chances. Auckland arguably edged the opening 45 minutes, with Reid Drake and Liam Gillion providing attacking spark. Drake came closest, dragging a tight-angled effort narrowly wide, while Matt Ellis squandered the best opportunity of the half, firing over the bar after being played in down the right.
Tensions simmered as the teams headed into the break, and the physical battle only intensified after halftime. Despite the rising tempo, chances remained scarce as both sides began to feel the toll of their efforts.
Mason proved pivotal, producing back-to-back saves from Max Mikkola and Jack Painter-Andrews in quick succession to keep Auckland level. As the clock ticked down, Auckland searched for a breakthrough.
Gillion, largely quiet throughout the contest, suddenly came to life – first flashing a left-footed strike just wide, before delivering a moment of individual brilliance. Collecting the ball deep inside his own half, the winger surged forward, gliding past defenders and calmly slotting beyond Diaz Lopez to seemingly seal the victory.
But there was one final twist. South Melbourne refused to yield, and Jacob Eliopoulos rose highest from a late corner to head past Mason, rescuing a dramatic point.
Player of the Match:Â Liam Gillion
