Striker Daniel McBreen netted a 75th minute header to secure North Queensland a 1-1 draw with the Central Coast Mariners at Bluetongue Stadium in Gosford on Sunday.
McBreen capitalised on some poor Mariners defence from a corner to head the equaliser past Mariners goalkeeper Danny Vukovic.
The Mariners looked on track to score a crucial home victory when striker Matt Simon netted the second quickest goal in Hyundai A-League history.
Simon pounced on a poor back pass from former Mariner Chris Tadrosse and lashed a powerful shot past Fury goalkeeper Paul Henderson after only 14 seconds.
It was a dream start for a Mariners team desperate for a home win after a disappointing performance against Sydney on Monday.
After Simon’s early goal the Mariners looked good in possession but failed to create many chances.
Simon was working hard up front, while at the back the Mariners kept Fury captain Robbie Fowler well in check.
North Queensland had plenty of the ball but lacked creativity. Fowler looked frustrated at times, but the visitors came out with more intensity in the second half.
The Mariners had a goal disallowed for off-side in the 50th minute and after that North Queensland had chances to equalise.
Jason Spagnuolo fired over from close range in the 55th minute, while Tadrosse also tried his luck from long range two times.
The Mariners came close to sealing the points when defender Nigel Boogaard shot wide from close range after a great run and cross from Simon in the 73rd minute.
Two minutes later the Fury scored, setting up an exciting finish.
Both teams pushed players forward in attempt to score a late winner but some poor finishing and desperate defending saw the scores remain level.
Central Coast 1 (Matt Simon 1)
North Queensland 1 (Daniel McBreen 75)
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