In what was a game of two halves, in very difficult wet conditions, the Canberra Cosmos showed their new "never say die" attitude in snatching a draw at the death against the Brisbane Strikers at Suncorp Metway Stadium tonight.
Not much happened in the first period as both teams struggled to come to grips with the wet. The only real action occurred when last weeks Cosmos penalty hero, Barney Smith pulled off a good save midway through the first half.
Brisbane took the lead just before half time when Paul Foster got onto the end of a Nick Meredith cross and mishit a ball which seemed to dribble across the Cosmos line at snail's pace.
In the 85th minute, John Kosmina and the Strikers probably could be excused for heading for the bank when substitute Peter Dwyer put the home side 2-0 in front with a volley from the edge of the box, but like many have learnt already this season ... never underestimate Tom Sermanni's men and their fighting spirit.
In the 89th minute, Mark Hagger got his second goal in as many weeks when he took advantage of an apparent communication breakdown in the Brisbane area and slotted a loose ball home to give the Canberrans a sniff.
Then one minute later, John Angelucci spoilt the Strikers party when he arrived late to meet a David Milin cross at the far post to steal a point for the jubilant Cosmos.
Cosmos coach Tom Sermanni was modest in his appraisal of the Cosmos comeback.
"We were behind the 8-ball for most of the game" he said. "We were gone, and we came back from the dead. I am happy the way the boys stuck to the task and got us a point" he added.