Adrian Frater, News Editor
Western Bureau:

After taking a 2-0 first-half lead in their 2009-10 National Premier League second-round play-off fixture against Brazil at Jarrett Park on Wednesday night, Wadadah narrowly escaped defeat as their opponents not only pulled level at 2-2 but squandered numerous chances to win the game.

"We got enough early chances to have won this game easily and have only ourselves to blame," said Wadadah's striker Curtis Palmer. "This was a game we should have won and we are very disappointed with this result."

In a game of contrasting halves, Wadadah went ahead inside the first minute through striker Jeremy Bucknor and added another midway the half when Bucknor was again on target. However, the resolute Brazil stormed back in the second half to take a share of the points through goals from Aldane Rattigan and Jermaine Green.

"We were determined not to lose the game because even when we were down, we were still enjoying the better of the action," said Rattigan, who also struck the post late in the game. "In the end, we should have won the game because we got the chances."

Low-shot score

Immediately following the kick-off, the ball was knocked into the path of the speedy Bucknor, who raced away from the Brazil defence and fired a low shot passed the advancing goalkeeper, giving Wadadah a 1-0 lead much to the delight of the home crowd.

With Brazil struggling to come to grips with the heavy underfoot conditions caused by an earlier shower, Wadadah continued to dominate the action and it was no surprise when they doubled their lead in the 26th minute. Following a goalmouth m?l?e in which several shots were blocked, Bucknor booted the ball past the goalkeeper, making the half-time score 2-0.

Steady decline

After missing a glorious chance in the 46th minute when Damion Nelson fired straight at the goalkeeper, Wadadah went into steady decline. While the home team's performance became lacklustre, Brazil began to look stronger and more determined to get back into the game.

After hitting the upright with a scorching volley in the 67th minute, Rattigan got Brazil on the scoresheet in the 81st minute. On a smart dribble out of midfield, he broke clear of the Wadadah defence to score.

Brazil then took charge as the Wadadah buckled under non-stop pressure in the dying moments of the game. The visitors deservedly drew level in stoppage time when Green fired home from close range, making the final score 2-2.

With two rounds of matches completed in the four-team competition, August Town and Humble Lions are joint leaders with four points while Brazil and Wadadah trail with a point each.