Woonona, Port Kembla share points in entertaining Illawarra Premier League draw

The Zebras spoiled the party for the Illawarra Premier League's reigning premiers in their first match at Ocean Park in 2021, with the sides sharing a point each after the game finished at 4-4.

In an entertaining affair, recruit Corey Haines-Grose and Robbie Gaudiosi mustered doubles each while Port Kembla's Jayden and Jordan Nikolovski combined for three goals, and teammate Nuno Pires also found the back of the net.

Read more: Wollongong United open 2021 Premier League account with win over Rangers

The Sharks got off to a great start when Haines-Grose scored in the 14^th minute, before the visitors responded six minutes later through Jayden Nikolovski.

But the Sharks responded soon after Gaudiosi found the back of the net, before Haines-Grose completed his brace of goals in just the 34^th minute.

The home side led 3-1 at half time. The game then looked over when Gaudiosi captalised on a Haines-Grose assist in the 71^st minute.

However, under their new coach Stuart Beedie, Port Kembla refused to give in.

Jordan Nikolovski started the run when he powered the ball into the back of the net in the 78^th minute, before Pires scored seven minutes later to cut the deficit to 4-3.

Two minutes later, Port Kembla had done enough to secure a draw when Jordan Nikolovski beat Woonona's goalkeeper to score the visitors' fourth goal.

Round two of the Illawarra Premier League will cap off when South Coast United host Coniston at Ian McLennan Park on Saturday night.

The action kicked off with four games on Friday, with Wollongong United, Bulli and Wollongong Olympic claiming wins, while Albion Park and Bellambi played out a 1-1 draw.