Brisbane Roar's A-League title challenge remains on course after they fought back to salvage a 2-2 draw against Newcastle Jets at the Suncorp Stadium on Friday.
Drama ensued within the first five minutes when the Roar were awarded a penalty after Nick Cowburn was punished for a clumsy challenge on Brandon Borrello.
It did not initially go to plan for the home side as Mark Birighitti stopped Jamie Maclaren's strike from the penalty spot, but the forward got some luck as he hammered the ball home on the rebound.
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Brisbane's lead lasted just nine minutes as the Jets equalised through Mitch Cooper, who sent the ball into the top corner after latching on to Enver Alivodic's cross into the box.
The travelling fans breathed a sigh of relief as it was the first away goal scored by the Jets since the fourth round of fixtures in the A-League.
Things continued to improve for the visitors as they took a 2-1 lead just before the 20-minute mark after being awarded a penalty thanks to Corey Brown's handball in the box.
Milos Trifunovic managed to convert from the spot after hesitating on his run-up and coolly slotting the ball into the back of the net.
For the remainder of the half, the Jets seemed content to sit back and prevent their opponents, who had the majority of the possession, from breaking them down.
After the break, the Jets resumed their sturdy defending, but Brisbane were handed a slice of luck when Alivodic sent the ball into his own net in the 69th minute.
Jade North spearheaded the attack and unleashed a shot, which was deflected into the goal by the Jets' midfielder.
The game began to open up, but neither side could make their chances count to seal a winner.
Danielle Joynson
