Football: Northland FC draw, Central Brown on form

The football season has started in strong fashion in Northland. Photo/Getty Images

Northland FC continue to prove they belong in the Lotto NRFL Division Two as they held Albany United to a 2-al draw at Tikipunga Park.

Things weren't looking great for the home side early as Jack Hadfield gave Albany the lead after 15 minutes.

However, Northland showed the defiance that has exemplified their 2017 season to keep in the match.

Albany led 1-0 at the break but Jordan Rudman equalised midway through the second spell.

Andy Turner looked to have clinched the victory for Albany four minutes later but Northland refused to give in, equalising through another goal from Rudman in the 81st minute.

Both sides tried valiantly in the final stages to grab a win but neither could do so, leaving them to share the points.

Northland FC travel south next Friday to take on Onehunga Mangere AFC, who have a record of one win and two draws from the first three rounds.

I'm very happy at the moment, it was a fantastic effort from the lads.

Bryn Hughes, coach of Central Brown

Meanwhile, Central Brown picked up a strong 3-1 win over Onerahi Cowleys FC in the Northland Men's Premier division.

Central Brown led by one going into the break but a pair of quick-fire goals to start the second spell helped them to an impressive win.

Coach Bryn Hughes said it was a great effort from his charges.

"I'm very happy at the moment, it was a fantastic effort from the lads. They really stepped up," he said.

"Our goalkeeper Dave Williams made a couple of great stops early, including a penalty which gave us good momentum early on.

"We got one to go just before the break before an own goal and a 20-yard screamer from Logan Himiona got us there in the end.

"We need a bit of a faster start and we want to get quicker out of the blocks. We're a young side so we want to keep gelling as a unit but we've got a great side here so hopefully the results keep coming."

Meanwhile Kerikeri Bay Builders and Kamo also picked up victories.

Kerikeri defeated Whangarei FC 4-1 while Kamo won a back and forth contest against Tikipunga.

Both sides traded goals until the 78th minute when Kamo clinched the match 3-2.
Madhatters and Bream Bay United fought out a 1-al draw.