Abu Dhabi: Al Shaab took the lead twice, but failed to score full points against Al Nasr which allowed Al Jazira, 3-0 winners over Hatta, to take second place in the etisalat First Division Football League on Friday.
It was an interesting pair of matches, with Al Shaab playing hosts to Al Nasr and Al Jazira locking horns with lowly-placed Hatta also at home.
It was the Al Shaab-Al Nasr engagement which provided all the thrills, even though the home team supporters left a disappointed lot.
Mehrdad Madanchi gave Al Shaab the lead in the 10th minute, but Endurance Idahor equalised with an injury-time header in the first half.
Crossing over, Al Shaab took the lead again, with Mehrdad converting a 54th-minute penalty.
But even before the cheers died down, Renato struck four minutes later to level the scores for the blue-shirted Al Nasr men.
Disappointing draw
A win would have put Al Shaab on level with leaders Al Shabab (28), but the draw now leaves the Sharjah side on 26. Meanwhile, Al Nasr have increased their tally to 19, this being their fourth draw.
Al Jazira's win took them from 24 to 27 and the Abu Dhabi team were hoping for a favourable result in the Al Shabab-Al Ahli match which was to be played later last night.
It was a sterling display by skipper Saleh Obaid which helped Al Jazira collect full points against Hatta and stay within striking distance of leaders Al Shabab.
The hosts struck early when Saleh Obaid picked up a smart pass from Ebrahim Diaki and found Ahmad Dada on the right flank.
The diminutive player struck across the goalmouth and Sultan Bargash deflected the shot into the net to give Al Jazira the lead. Hatta defended bravely after that and kept the score at that, but soon after the break, Al Jazira confirmed full points.
Saleh Obaid scored two quick goals - the first in the 59th minute and the second in the 67th minute - and Hatta's fightback fell flat.
In another First Division League match on Thursday night, Al Ain and defending champions Al Wasl played out a goalless draw.
