Wyndham was denied victory on the final kick of the match in Football Victoria state league 5 west season opener.
After a bye in round, the newly-merged Wyndham team was always going to be up against Balmoral.
Wyndham started the brighter of the two sides with Daniel Ottaiano and Pablu Bani finding the back of the net to fire the
hosts into a 2-0 lead.
Balmoral rallied, and the momentum shifted, dragged themselves back into the game with two quick goals.
Bani, whose pace and trickery caused problems throughout, won a penalty that Isaac Kenyi converted confidently to make it 3-2.
Balmoral would secure one point after scoring through a header in the dying seconds, to tie the match 3-3.
The reserves kicked off the action earlier in the day, with a 4-3 come from behind win against Balmoral.
Backed by a healthy crowd at Victoria University, the men’s reserves team made a poor start to the game and were 2-0 down inside the first 25 minutes.
They pulled back with a Niall Boyle header and well-timed finish from captain Matt Walker to tie the game at half-time.
Determined to do things the hard way, Wyndham let another goal slip before substitute Poe Soe plundered two goals to ensure victory, despite a few nervy last moments.
Head coach Mimmo Ottaiano said he was pleased with Wyndham’s opening games.
“Conceding in the last play of the game was a tough pill to swallow, but that’s soccer,” he said.
“I’m proud of the boys’ efforts, everyone gave 100 per cent and followed instructions – which is all a coach could ask for.”
There’s a competition wide bye this weekend for Easter, with Wyndham on the road on April 10, facing Maribyrnong Greens.
