Launceston City and Riverside were left with similar emotions after picking up useful draws but winding up disappointed not to have won.
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City came within 15 minutes of their best result of the season, looking well placed when Noah Mies ran through to coolly add to captain Lindsay Millington's first-half opener and have the hosts 2-0 up against South Hobart.
But Ken Morton's men refused to lay down, hitting back immediately through his son Nick and late on through Ben Hamlett to salvage a 2-2 draw.
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Across town at Windsor Park, Riverside had to come from behind after Keenan Douce had rifled Kingborough ahead with an 80th-minute stunner.
But new-found strike partners Ryan McCarragher and Chris Wademan were up to the task, the Northern Irishman setting up the Yorkshireman for the leveller two minutes from the end and the pair thwarted twice more in stoppage time.
All of which left both coaches happy, if a little hollow.
"I'm disappointed not to win," said City's Lino Sciulli. "Draws are nothing really.
"We conceded two goals when we were 2-0 up which means either we got carried away or we stopped doing the disciplined things we had been doing prior to that.
"We started with three across the back and that seemed to work okay. Second half we went to two at the back and it also worked until we started to lose our way a little bit. All in all it was a good game and the guys deserved some result. We have not really picked up a big scalp this year, and that was a chance to do that."
Riverside's Alex Gaetani was also lamenting missed opportunities after watching his multi-cultural outfit pick up just their second draw of the season.
By definition, Olympic games are meant to be multi-national and an attacking six born in as many different countries guaranteed plenty of continental flair, although the Roos were again thankful to their home-grown keeper Jarrod Hill for keeping them in the contest.
"We have come a long way that we now expect to win these games," he said.
"We've made massive strides and were unlucky not to get a win.
"Even though Jarrod pulled off one or two great saves, Wadey was through on goal towards the end and we could have won it.
"I'm not overly happy with a point because we could have got more and I felt we deserved a victory. But that's pretty good considering this team nearly knocked off Devonport last week."
Devonport inched ever closer to back-to-back titles as Daniel Syson, Eddie Bidwell and Toby Barton set up a 3-1 win over Glenorchy who replied through George Hallard.
However, Olympia ensured the Strikers will have to earn it, seeing off Clarence 7-1.
Sam Randall gave the visitors a stunning second-minute lead at Warrior Park before Jack Ryan (three), Joffrey Nkoso (two), Jono Ladic and Jake Vandermey brought them back down to earth.
Northern Championship
Northern Rangers are refusing to start talking titles despite collecting a 14th win of the season at Riverside.
Second half goals from Wes Chugg and a Rob Gerrard penalty sealed a hard-earned 2-0 victory but coach Rod Fulton was content to repeat a familiar mantra.
"One game at a time," he said. "I think we got distracted when Launceston United beat Devonport but then we failed to show up against United and maybe started to think too far ahead and that's not happening any more.
"We had a couple of nervous moments and needed a couple of good saves from our keeper but probably had the better of it and were good value for our two goals."
Olympic coach Andy Hall responded: "Our first half was really good but we did not create enough chances after the break and paid the price."
Launceston City picked up their first win of the season as Jamie Richardson, Carlos Vega, Josh Duncan, Tom Ottavi and Fin Aldridge scored in a 5-2 defeat of Somerset at Prospect.
"There was no pressure on the players so they really enjoyed the day and in turn us, as the coaching staff," said coach Drew McNeill.
"In a not so good year, to have a win at this stage hopefully will reignite the guys to come back next year. We are rebuilding and this is the first step forward to that goal."
Launceston United came from behind to snatch a dramatic late winner through Ryan Rattcliffe in a 3-2 defeat of Ulverstone at Birch Avenue.
Devonport also kept the title race alive with a 4-2 win over Burnie at Valley Road.
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