THE undefeated Southern Stars snatched a 2-2 draw with Casey Comets at Comets Stadium on Saturday.

The in-form Comets are rapidly gaining a reputation for their spirit after a month of fighting performances.

The first half was an engrossing affair with Comets goalkeeper Ashley Hupe making a fine save from a Connor McDonald strike.

The game livened up in the second half with both teams playing attacking football.

Losing their main playmaker Berkan Savaci upset the Stars' rhythm and it was the Comets who struck first in the 75th minute when Jarryd Barnes capitalised on some good work further up the pitch.

From that goal the Stars mounted a wave of attacks but the Comets defence, marshalled by Leigh Wilkinson, stood firm. With just over five minutes left the Stars brought on Noel Fox and, with almost his first touch, he went on a run and sidestepped a few Comets tackles before rifling it past Hupe from the edge of the box.

But the Comets soon hit back through Anthony Ciccarelli, who headed in from a David Terek corner.

The Stars did not drop their heads and in the 93rd minute Mark Newsome caught the Comets off guard.

Coach Dougie Chisholm was "gutted" with the result but was proud of his players' performance.

The reserves had an off day, going down 1-4 to an excellent Southern Stars team who just proved to be a little more skilful and very sharp in front of goal.

This week the Comets play away against local rival Berwick which, despite its position in the league, could prove to be a handful.

Form does not matter in a derby and the Berwick team has nothing to lose.