Two late goals added to the drama on Sunday as Olympic FC and Palm Beach Sharks played out a thrilling 2-2 draw in the top-of-the-table clash at Goodwin Park.

Just as it seemed Reuben Way had captured three come-from-behind points for the hosts, Troy Ruthven converted a last-gasp Palm Beach penalty to ensure both sides remained unbeaten after three rounds.

The league-leading visitors entered the match high on confidence after posting strong wins in the opening two rounds and made a fast start as Daniel Dragicevic made it 1-0 after just five minutes.

The athletic forward found time and space on the right and steadied over his shot from inside the penalty area before finishing accurately across Olympic 'keeper Ryan Meskell.

Meskell, who moved from Palm Beach to Goodwin Park in the off-season, was kept busy by his former teammates in the early stages, notably having to push a left-footed Chris Lucas effort around the post.

Olympic did begin to find some attacking rhythm after the opening 15 minutes with first Danny Byrne and then Tim Smits trying their luck as the small signs led to greater reward in the 30th minute.

Smits spearheaded a charge through the centre of the pitch and when his shot was blocked it fell perfectly into the path of Kazuya Ito, the midfielder taking full advantage of a stranded Shane Viitakangas to slot home the equaliser.

The champions began to advance further after drawing level and could have been ahead at half time but for desperate Sharks defenders scrambling two chances clear.

A relatively quiet first 15 minutes after the restart was brought to life when openings began to form around the hour mark.

Jake McLean sparked the action when he skipped by a defender only to see his shot well blocked. The ball was worked to Ito from the resultant corner and his delivery struck the crossbar before eventually being cleared.

McLean was again involved in the 68th minute when his clever run was creatively picked out but, despite managing to touch it beyond the advancing Viitakangas, Ruthven got across to slide the follow-up effort past the upright.

Familiar faces Ito and Ruthven then traded quality free-kicks that drew classy saves from both goalkeepers.

As the match ticked into the final 10 minutes it was up to Meskell and Viitakangas to again keep parity, the former palming a swerving set-piece over the crossbar and the latter getting down low to tip a shot wide.

The breakthrough came in stoppage time as Way seemed sure to have won the contest for Olympic FC when he struck home McLean's byline cutback to make it 2-1.

However, Palm Beach confirmed their resilience by driving forward almost immediately and winning a penalty for a foul by James Cuminao, which meant a second yellow and sending off for the young defender.

The ever-present Ruthven shouldered responsibility and cemented his impact at both ends by slotting the spot-kick into the bottom corner.

The draw means the two sides retain their places inside the top two after three rounds of the 2014 NPL Queensland season.

Olympic FC 2 (Kasuya ITO 30', Reuben WAY 90')
Palm Beach Sharks 2 (Daniel DRAGICEVIC 5', Troy RUTHVEN 90+2')

 

Words & Image: Olympic FC