In a dramatic finale at St George Stadium, Reuben Lagos scored in the dying seconds of the game to snatch a point for the home side after Central Coast had taken the lead with three minutes of normal time remaining. Darren Cooper’s goal for the Coast in the 87th minute appeared to have given the Coast a surprise win against a dominant St George but Lagos’s desperate lunge right at the death ensured a share of the points. Central Coast had taken an early lead with a deft strike from Nathan Moseley but St George equalised through Ryo Maekawa, who was too quick as he snuck in between defence and keeper. Only minutes later, the Saints almost went ahead through Jordan Figon but Josh Barrett came to the Coast’s rescue with a good save. Barrett was to prove vital to the Coast’s chances as he parried a number of good shots, keeping the Saints at bay. Particularly at the beginning of the second half as St George pressed relentlessly, Barrett prevented Arthur Diles, Lagos and Figon from getting on the scoresheet. While St George dominated, it seemed that the Coast would be content with the point, although Brady Smith, alone up front, always looked dangerous. His pace and strength constantly proved a problem, and two great chances fell his way, including after a strong run from half way. But he was just wide of the mark on both occasions. Maekawa, for St George hit the post, as did Figon, as the home side searched for the winner. But as the pressure dropped off, the Central Coast came back into the game and a free kick from outside the box resulted in Darren Cooper, in a crowded area, giving the Coast a late lead. The Coast were ecstatic, and they battled each ball as the time ticked down. They even hit the bar themselves which would surely have ended the game, but St George rallied and a cross from Daniel Firth found Peter Crevani, whose low pass across the face of goal saw Lagos stretch and bundle the ball into the net. A dramatic finish then, and the points shared. No doubt though, both teams felt these were two points lost. St George 2 (Rya Maekawa 28’, Reuben Lagos 93’) v Central Coast 2 (Nathan Moseley 17’, Darren Cooper 87’) Source Peter Rowney