They were two minutes from dropping points. Then came the 98th

WT Birkalla left it until the final seconds, but the NPL SA leaders once again found a way.

Trailing Campbelltown City entering the 88th minute, Birkalla looked set to surrender valuable ground in the title race before producing a remarkable late turnaround to claim a dramatic 2-1 victory.

Golden Boot contender Joshua Mori had given Campbelltown the lead and appeared destined to inspire a significant result against the competition leaders in Round 14.

Instead, former Sydney FC and Adelaide United striker George Blackwood dragged Birkalla level late before substitute Chris Christofilos became the hero.

Eight minutes into stoppage time, Christofilos stepped up and buried a stunning free-kick to complete an extraordinary comeback and preserve Birkalla's place at the summit.

The result keeps the league leaders one point clear, but the pressure remains firmly on.

HIGHPRESS INTERVIEW: He's scored 26 goals in 13 games. The real story is what happened off the pitch

MetroStars continued their pursuit with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Sturt Lions.

In a tense contest, Michael Cittadini's second-half strike proved decisive as MetroStars remained within touching distance of top spot heading into another crucial week of the season.

Adelaide City missed an opportunity to close the gap after being held to a goalless draw by Adelaide United - a result that left them six points adrift.

FK Beograd delivered one of the performances of the round, dismantling lowly Para Hills Knights 5-1.

Lorenzo Boselli scored twice in the emphatic victory, while Massimo Falco and Jason Konstandopoulos were also among the goals as Beograd continued to flex their attacking firepower.

FEATURE: Rescued, rebuilt, reborn - Playford City’s 70-year story
FRASER PARK: How a Sydney football club became the beating heart of a community

Croydon FC piled further misery on slumping Playford City with a commanding 4-1 victory.

Club legend Luke Klimek opened the scoring before Yuya Kato struck twice. Oscar Slattery also found the net as Croydon condemned Playford to another difficult afternoon and continued their own push up the table.

The round concluded with Adelaide Comets surviving a late scare to defeat West Adelaide 3-2.