Hard-working midfielder David Hartas could do little to avoid a thumping Robbie Shields cross in the 88th minute, as the ball cannoned off his legs in the net.

It came just 10 minutes after the Fury looked to have stolen the match from the penalty spot through Alvin Ceccoli and controlled possession for much of the second half.

But they'd be forced to share the points and watch Bulli jump them on the ladder.

"We wasted probably four or five good opportunities and at the end of the day you can't afford to do that," Fury coach Norm Boardman said.

"I think they had one shot at goal in the second half and that was the own goal.

"I can't remember any other shots that they had which were meaningful."

Shaun McRae and substitute Bradley Welch both had opportunities to opening the scoring before Ceccoli's goal but either fired wide or were denied by United keeper Sam Nastic.

The gloveman made a fine double save on McRae and Hartas midway through the second half to keep his side in the contest.

But while they were somewhat subdued in the second half, United had shaded the hosts for most of the first.

George Naylor Medallist Robbie Shields was a constant threat, testing Fury custodian Mitchell Blowes.

Adrian Nikolovski was also unable to find a way past the keeper.

Tired legs from the squad's midweek Bert Bampton Cup semi win over Picton set in during the second half and they found themselves behind when Scott Burleigh brought down Graeme Smith.

But refusing to give up, the Reds chased the match and were rewarded with a late equaliser.

"At the end of the day I think a draw was a fair result," United coach Oliver Vrtkovski said.

"In the first half I think we were the better team and had the better chances. Our formation and play was much better.

"Second half we tweaked things a little bit after about 15 minutes.

"A couple of good saves from Sammy [Nastic] and goal mouth scrambles, that was really the only danger they showed us.

"Unfortunately they got a penalty but I think we were hungry enough to get a point out of that game."

In Sunday's other game, Port Kembla defeated Cringila Lions 1-0.