It's all square after the first leg of both OFC Champions League football semi finals, but Marist FC will return to Solomon Islands with a vital away goal in the bank.
Davidson Tome gave the visitors a half-time lead at Churchill Park in Lautoka before Osea Vakatalesau headed home the equaliser four minutes into second spell.
Osea Vakatalesau equalised for Lautoka after half-time. Photo: OFC Media
Lautoka pressed on in search of a winning goal until a second yellow card to Samuela Drudru reduced the hosts to ten men with more than 25 minutes remaining.
The match finished 1-1 and Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy said a lack of execution in front of goal let the home side down.
"I think we had a lot of chances but we were not able to finish it and they had one clear chance - it was a deflection - and they finished it. Then we had to come from behind," he said.
"So it's a matter of when we get the chances to finish we need to finish and that's what we're going to work on and we'll see how it goes in the second game."
Lautoka FC and Marist FC could not be separated at Churchill Park. Photo: OFC Media
Despite returning to Honiara for Sunday's second leg in a strong position, Marist coach Jerry Allen was frustrated his side was unable to avoid conceding.
"I think we played well in the first half and okay in the second, but we conceded. I knew it would happen there from a set piece," Allen said.
"I know Osea (Vakatalesau) well, Brian (Kaltack) some of the other boys, I used to coach them before with Hekari and so I reminded my players what they can do.
"Osea has good height, and he used it in the corner even though I warned them. The plan now is to go home, work on some things and prepare once more. We have a big chance to do something great at home next week."
Meanwhile, Team Wellington and Auckland City played out a goal-less first leg at Dave Farrington Park, with defending champions Auckland hosting the return leg at Kiwitea Street this weekend.
Team Wellington and Auckland City failed to trouble Photo: OFC via Phototek
