Hathazari FC were made to work for a point on Saturday, coming from behind twice to draw 2-2 in a spirited local derby at College Gate Ground in front of one of the biggest home crowds of the year.
The visitors struck first against the run of play in the 18th minute, converting a rebound after the Hathazari goalkeeper had done well to block the initial effort. The home side responded well and drew level just before the break through a well-worked corner routine, the ball eventually bundled home from close range.
The second half swung back and forth. The visitors retook the lead midway through the period with a well-taken finish from the edge of the box, but Hathazari FC refused to let the derby slip away. With ten minutes remaining, a driving run down the right wing won a penalty, which was converted calmly to make it 2-2 and secure a share of the spoils.
“I’m proud of the character we showed,” said the head coach after the match. “Twice we went behind at home in a derby, and twice we found an answer. That doesn’t happen without real belief in the group.”
Hathazari FC remain unbeaten in their last three home fixtures. Full details of the next match are on the Fixtures & Results page.