MUSGRAVE HELD BUT STILL GO TOP

Musgrave 2 (P. Cronin, B. Rodrigues)

Nerang 2 (A. Hayward, N. Jeffrey)

HT 2:0

MUSGRAVE missed a glorious opportunity to go two points clear of rivals Burleigh Heads at the top of the Buffalo Sports Premier League after being held to a 2-2 draw at home to Nerang.

Worse for Oscar Langone’s side is the fact they led 2-0 at the interval only to see their advantage whittled away by a determined Nerang in a typical ‘game of two halves’.

Musgrave were off to the perfect start when Pat Cronin continued his rich vein of form with the opening goal, then Bruno Rodrigues fired in the second soon afterwards after being set up nicely with a quick free-kick.

Musgrave’s first half display warranted more goals and they were made to regret not capitalising further on their superiority with Nerang presenting a different proposition in the following 45 minutes

The second period had barely begun before Nerang reduced the deficit with a goal from talisman Adam Hayward to make it 2-1 and give the visitors hope of a revival that looked beyond them before the break.

As so often happens, the game took on a different dynamic and it was no surprise when Nick Jeffrey squeezed home the equaliser with 15 minutes to go, nipping in front of the Musgrave ‘keeper to head home.

The draw was still enough for Musgrave to become the new league leaders, at least until the Gold Coast Knights take on Broadbeach Utd later today (Sunday). However, Musgrave boss Langone said he was still disappointed his troops did not come away with all three points.

“The first half was the best we have produced all season, but we went to sleep a bit in the second half,” Langone said.

“A lot is expected of us this year and we are disappointed not to have won. The club has never been at this high level so perhaps the pressure is showing a bit on the players,” he added.