MURDOCH Universtiy Melville (MUM) FC let slip a two-goal lead to a strong Balga SC side in their State League Division 2 clash at Princess Wallington Reserve.
First half goals to youngsters Daniel Davey and Matt Sljivic gave the visitors the lead, before second-placed Balga scored either side of half time to earn a point.
Despite surrendering the lead, there was plenty of positives for the youthful Melville side, who had three late chances to win it.
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READ NOWBalga started promisingly, but it was the away side who took the lead when Tulie Mumbi won the ball in midfield and found Sljivic, who chipped the ball over the defence for Davey to find the net with a composed finish.
The hosts responded well as Vladimir Naumovski shot wide from a good position after MUM FC coughed up possession deep, before Alen Patarov screwed a shot just wide.
Moments later, their misses were punished when Sljivic doubled the lead after outpacing the defence on a counter attack and coolly slotting home.
However, Balga hit back when Giulian Zacconi headed home James Spurry’s cross, before Zoran Vrteski’s goal-line clearance up the other end prevented Sljivic from grabbing another.
The hosts came out firing after the break and only a crucial intervention from Broden Brown denied Zacconi the equaliser, before Jake Verini fired over from inside 18 yards.
However, Balga found themselves back on level terms soon after when Jason Stepanovski calmly slid the ball past Alec Radonich after finding space in the box.
Matthew Kerridge came closest to finding the winner for Balga, but his shot curled just wide, while Vrteski blazed over from a good position.
However, MUM FC had chances of their own late, as Rion Robertson fired over from close range, before Ryan Tucker shot straight at goalkeeper Jordan Howell and Mumbi saw his volley saved.
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