AFC Fury lost their long-unbeaten record on Good Friday, conceding a last-minute goal and going down 2-3 to Oratia in Auckland.
Fury, who were promoted to the Northern League second division last season, led 2-0 at halftime and were in control. But late absences left the Fury short on experience defensively and they played the last 30 minutes with 10 players after centre back Karl Bryant was sent off for receiving a second yellow card.
Oratia fired two quick goals to draw level. Fury had excellent opportunities to retake the lead but the loss of Bryant and missed opportunities in front of goal were costly. Oratia clinched the winner with a last-gasp strike.
Fury have new recruits coming to strengthen the squad in centre back Joe O'Donohue, a Bay of Plenty lad currently at university in Auckland, Matias Bartolozzi - a striker from Uruguay - and an Auckland-based agent/scout in the form of Fred Webb, well known in Auckland football circles.
Mervyn Montgomery will assume the first team coaching role on his return from the UK in two weeks. Colin Foord will coach both Fury men's reserves and a new ladies team.
