A goal five minutes into added time earned Papakura City a 2-2 draw in the first leg of their two-match Lotto NRFL promotion play-off series against WaiBOP Premiership title holders Ngaruawahia United.
With time running out under the lights of McLennan Park, Munit Krishna scored the equaliser to ensure the series stays very much alive when the teams meet again at Ngaruawahia’s Centennial Park on Saturday (March 26).
The winner over two legs will fill the final spot in this year’s Lotto NRFL second division.
The Green Army took the initiative in the first half and went ahead through Tawhirimatea Ball in the 37th minute.
Three minutes later, Ngaruawahia doubled their lead through last year’s leading scorer, Jack Connor.
The teams turned around with the visitors 2-0 up.
Just after the hour mark, Papakura pulled back a goal through Kieran Nevey.
And then both teams slugged it out for the rest of the half.
Krishna scored his late goal to ensure both teams go into Saturday’s match with hopes alive.
Ngaruawahia’s latest signing, former Auckland City midfielder Mario Bilen, was listed as a substitute but did not take the field.
Team sheets
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