Hawkes Bay United overcame a 4-0 deficit to draw 5-5 with the Wellington Phoenix reserves yesterday, grabbing a late equaliser to edge clear at the top of the ASB Premiership standings.
The encounter in Napier seemed simple to predict - the home side were unbeaten and had conceded only oncefrom four games while the youthful visitors had just one victory and three goals to their name.
But the form book was upset with the aid of a stiff breeze at Bluewater Stadium and the Phoenix took advantage of the conditions to race to a 4-0 lead before halftime.
Joel Stevens kicked off the carnage before 15-year-old Max Mata grabbed a quick brace to see Wellington 3-0 in front. And with Hawkes Bay attempting to hang on for halftime and the switch in conditions, Logan Rogerson scored his side's fourth right before the break.
The Phoenix would have been confident of securing victory when the second spell began but, with the breeze now at their backs, the home side quickly pulled themselves back into the contest. Hamish Watson and Cory Chettleburgh immediately made it 4-2 and, while Stevens scored his second from the spot, two quick goals from Zane Sole and Sam Mason-Smith set up a grandstand finish.
The Phoenix looked to have done enough to earn victory, despite the dismissal of Dylan Fox, but Mason-Smith slotted home in the 92nd minute to cap an incredible match.
With Auckland City inactive after their Club World Cup exploits, the draw saw Hawkes Bay creep one point clear, while Team Wellington moved a point behind the champions after a 4-1 win over Southern United.
Wellington were also forced to come from behind in the second spell after Seamus Ryder opened the scoring for Southern and, while Chris Bale equalised shortly after the break, the home side made hard work of their revival. But a Ben Harris double in the last 10 minutes and Anthony Hobbs' late strike spoiled a dogged effort from the lowly visitors.
