A costly defensive error has cost Sutherland Sharks a break-though win as they were held 1-1 by local rivals Rockdale City Suns at Seymour Shaw.
Suns' striker and former Shark Jordan Figon fired home to level the scores after Alec Urosevski pounced on a sloppy back pass to extend the Sharks winless streak to 10 games.
A sensational volley from Jeremy Cox had given Sutherland the lead after 37 minutes but it would only last for seven minutes until Rockdale found an equaliser.
It was a frustrating result as well for Rockdale as they missed the chance to move into top spot with a win.
Returning Sharks great Nathan Denham said the tough performance from his team mates to claim a fourth straight draw was proof they were on the cusp of a breakthrough win.
"We've been able to push the top teams and take points from them which I think shows we're not far off from where we need to be," he said.
"We played some good football tonight and could've very easily have snatched the win. While the results haven't been their so far this season the mood among the team remains positive which is a great sign.
"For me I felt really good and was very happy in my first game back from retirement. I had done it for so long it's just like riding a bike."
Rockdale goalscorer Figon said his side expected a tough battle and it was exactly what Sutherland served up.
"The game was a real dogfight in stages and although a win would've been preferred we will take the point," he said.
"Seymour Shaw is a tough place to come and they were probably the better side in the first half."
