Away point for NRFL side

Pukekohe came within seconds of recording their first victory in over a season in the Lotto NRFL on Saturday before a dramatic late equaliser to Cambridge rescued a point for the home side.

The Maroons, wearing away orange for the second week running, conceded the opener to Cambridge's Josh Powell after 26 minutes when he volleyed back through a crowd.

But Pukekohe skipper Geoff Rickard levelled the scores before halftime after being put clear by Brad Petrie.

After Pukekohe took a 57th minute lead when teenager Jethro Conway turned home a cut back at the back post, it seemed the side were headed for their first win in the Lotto NRFL competition in over a year but a bit of late drama denied the visitors.

In the fourth minute of injury time, Cambridge 'keeper Ryan McNamara hit a long free kick into the crowded penalty area which was re-directed first time beyond 'keeper Andre van Lieshout and into the Pukekohe net by Cambridge's Gareth Clark.

There was still time for Pukekohe substitute Andrew Lamborn to see his effort from distance flash just wide of the Cambridge goal in the dying seconds before the final whistle.

Pukekohe's man-of-the-match went to left back Jamie Hampton for an assured effort in possession and in his one-on-one defensive duties.

The draw lifted the side off the bottom of the NRFL Division 1 competition ahead of their match this weekend at Bledisloe Park with Papakura City FC - who currently sit bottom.

Pukekohe's NRFL Div 1 Reserve league side had a bye.

Details:

Cambridge FC 2-2 Pukekohe AFC (half: 1-1)
PUK: Geoff Rickard, Jethro Conway

Pukekohe AFC: Andre van Lieshout, Liam McDonald, Marcus Bathan, Jay Pressnall, Jamie Hampton, Joe Morris, Steve Upfold, Jethro Conway, Ticiano Costa (Adam Moorhouse 30'), Geoff Rickard (Andrew Lamborn 89'), Brad Petrie (Matt Grantham 70')