A goal five minutes into added time completed an amazing 3-2 comeback win by 10-man Franklin United against Northland in the Lotto NRFL second division.
Trailing 2-0 with half an hour left, Franklin clawed their way back into the game and won it with their late goal from substitute Soheb Sheik.
A scoreless first half gave little hint of the drama to come in the second half of the match at Dr John Lightbody Reserve, Tuakau, and the home side had goalkeeper Jong Hyun Lee to thank for saving what looked like a certain goal.
Luke Earsman gave Northland the lead with a goal in the 51st minute.
Ten minutes later, Finn Diamond doubled the visitors’ lead.
But Franklin weren’t ready to quit.
Tim Richardson pulled back a goal from the penalty spot in the 67th minute.
Match programme: Click on cover to read the Franklin United match programme.
However, Franklin were reduced to 10 men when Amit Narayan collected his second yellow card from referee Mark Fleming for trying to score by handling the ball.
Three minutes after the sending off, Franklin drew level when Chris Abbott scored, and earned himself a yellow card for his goal celebration.
As the game headed for a draw, former Bay Olympic player Sheik found the winner deep into referee’s time.
The win lifts Franklin from 9th to 6th on the table.
Result
Game played June 4, 2022
Franklin United 3 (Tim Richardson 67′ pen, Chris Abbott 79′, Soheb Sheik 90+5′)
Northland 2 (Luke Earsman 51′, Finn Diamond 62′)
Standings
Thanks
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