Kemblawarra Fury lost their spot at the top of the Illawarra Premier League after drawing 1-1 with grand final rivals Wollongong United on Sunday.
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Needing a win to jump past Bulli on the ladder, the Fury were unable to find the winning touch at Albert Butler Memorial Park.
A ninth minute goal from Klime Sekutkovski had Kemblawarra chasing the game early on and while they levelled midway through the second half through David Hartas, they couldn’t muster a second. It left Fury coach Luke McGuire frustrated.
“I thought we dominated for a very large percentage of the game,” he said.
“They are a good side and they took their chance and that was it.
“It was a draw so what can we do.”
Matters were made worse for the Fury with former A-League defender Alvin Ceccoli set to undergo scans after coming off with a groin injury.
His absence was notable in a tense affair.
Despite all the off field drama surrounding the club, United showed no sign of being distracted by their potential points deduction.
Sekutkovski took advantage early on in front of a big crowd.
An error from a goal kick led to the striker rounding the keeper for a simple finish.
“We have to stop giving away cheap goals,” McGuire said.
“I don’t think there has been anyone this year who has really torn us apart and scored a decent goal.
“The goals we have conceded have been from our errors and that probably comes down to working on our defensive structures and making sure that is ready.”
McGuire and the Fury had to wait until midway through the second half to get their equaliser.
David Hartas finished from a tight angle in the 66th minute to restore parity.
Both teams had chances towards the end of the match to add to the scoresheet.
United’s Ben Brooks put his header just wide of the mark with five minutes remaining and Kemblawarra’s Shane Lyons couldn’t put his effort past Sam Nastic in the closing stages.
“At the end of the day it was probably a fair result ,” United assistant coach Steven Dimitrievski said.
“First half we were probably the better side and the second half Kemblawarra were a little bit better but in saying that, a fair result.
“We stuck together, had a couple of half chances and defended very well at the end. It was a good team performance so I will take the point.”
The Fury are no level on points but behind Bulli on goal difference while United are six points back in third. Meanwhile, South Coast United continued their mid-season revival by securing a 1-1 draw with Albion Park White Eagles while Shell Cove beat Tarrawanna 1-0.
