The defending premiers were in the box seat to secure their first piece of major silverware this season when towering striker Ben McDonald tapped in from close range to give his side a 1-0 lead at half time.

However, an equaliser from Park star Hikaru Kawasakiya just sixty seconds into the second stanza ensured the northern suburbs club’s title celebrations would have to wait another week.

Bulli (54 points) will now go into final round with a slender two point advantage over Wollongong Olympic (52 points), who beat Picton Rangers to keep the title race alive.

Bulli can still wrap up the League Championship with a win over Corrimal Rangers next weekend.

“We will prepare the same away with the same approach now for Corrimal and show them a mountain of respect,” Bulli coach Matt Bailey said.

“There is no change for us now. We have to continue with the same expectations we have had for the past two years. We have to put it in perspective this week. Albion Park are a top three side so it was always going to be tough to go down there and get the three points.”

The silverware looked to be heading Bulli’s way in the first half at Terry Reserve after McDonald finished off some neat work from 2017 George Naylor medalist at the back post in the 29th minute.

Kawasakiya’s equaliser was a terrific solo effort.

The White Eagles weapon finished with aplomb into the bottom corner after a weaving run earlier in the second stanza.

Bulli came closest to finding the winner when Kyle Jackson headed against the crossbar with 22 minutes remaining, but neither side would find the telling blow.

“It was a game of two halves really,” Bailey said. “We dominated the first and looked comfortable and then lapsed in concentration early in the second half.

“From then on it was an even battle. We will learn from it.

“It was tough conditions for both teams.

“There was a howling wind which obviously made it difficult for both teams.”

Meanwhile, Olympic’s massive 7-1 victory over Picton Rangers will see the latter relegated from the Illawarra Premier League.

Picton (nine points) needed a win to keep in touch with Woonona Sharks (13 points) but will now return to the District League.

The Sharks were beaten 1-0 by Tarrawanna while a resurgent South Coast United picked up their fourth consecutive victory in a determined 1-0 win over Cringila Lions.

On Sunday, Wollonong United kept their hopes of securing a top-three in tact with a 3-0 win over Port Kembla. Fernhill and Corrimal Rangers drew 1-1.

The top-five and relegation fights have already been completed before next week’s final round, where every match is played at 3pm, Sunday.