Southern United came crashing back to earth with a 2-2 draw against Brunswick in its first home match of the season last Saturday.

Fresh from an 8-1 spanking of Monash University in the opening round, United pounded the Brunswick goal repeatedly but struggled to find a way past a stout defence, led brilliantly by their goalkeeper.

Southern opened the scoring midway through the first half after Craig Hardham’s initial shot was saved and bobbled fortuitous into his path for an easy tap-in.

Brunswick levelled the scores midway through the second half, prompting Southern onto the offensive and a goal to Kiwi Jesse Workman ensued.

United launched attacking foray after foray, resulting in a string of penalty corners and, with seven minutes remaining, a penalty stroke.

But neither chance was converted and Brunswick hit back to split the points with a drag flick from a penalty corner with minutes to spare.

United will be looking to regroup when they battle newly-promoted Old Xaverians at home this Saturday.

Mark Tesoriero