Archie Thompson scored in the final minute of second half injury to time to salvage a point for Melbourne in its Hyundai A-League clash with the Central Coast Mariners in Gosford.
Thompson beat Mariners goalkeeper Mark Bosnich with almost the final kick of the game to secure a 2-2 draw at Bluetongue Stadium.
Central Coast striker Matt Smon looked to have won the game for the Mariners when he bagged the second of his two goals in the 85th minute.
But the desperate Victory pushed forward in injury time and snatched a goal to break the hearts of the Mariners players and fans.
Simon put the home team in the lead with a well taken goal in the 12th minute but his most important contribution came with only five minutes to play.
Simon rose high to head home a cross from Brad Porter to score his fourth goal in five matches and first at home. Simon’s header smashed into the cross bar but clearly crossed the line.
There was plenty of talking points in from the Round 5 match with Melbourne having a player sent off for the second week in succession.
Victory goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos was given a red card by referee Peter Green in the 58th minute after an altercation with Mariners striker Sasho Petrovski.
Theoklitos and Petrovski came together seconds before the Mariners were about to take a corner. Green noticed something and had no hesitation pulling out the red card.
Simon ensured the Mariners would play from in front with the first goal in the 12th minute. As was the case with his second goal, the final ball came from Porter who was one of the best players on the field.
The home team was not in front for long. In the 16th minute Thompson capitalised on some sloppy defending to equalise.
Thompson was dangerous throughout and was in the right place at the right time to score the equaliser.
It was the Mariners third draw in five matches. The draw means Melbourne is now equal with Sydney on the top of the table, while the Mariners remain in fourth place.
Central Coast Mariners 2 (Simon 12, 84)
Melbourne Victory 2 (Thompson 16, 94)
Bluetongue Central Coast Stadium, Gosford
