Nelson Suburbs goalkeeper Corey Wilson pulls off a penalty save on full time to secure a win for his team at Saxton Field on Sunday. Photos: Chris Symes/Shuttersport.

What a save!

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A miraculous last minute save by Suburbs keeper Corey Wilson ensured his side escaped with the points at Saxton Field on Sunday.

Nelson Suburbs continued their resurgence in the Mainland Premier League, with a frustrating and nerve-racking 2-1 victory over Universities FC.

The match served as Suburbs’ third in just eight days, but they showed no early signs of fatigue.

On the back of a 4-0 rout of FC Twenty 11 on Anzac Day, Suburbs were full of running, the dangerous duo of Jordan Yong and Ben Wright combining to create a number of early opportunities.

Corey was returning for Suburbs after a month overseas and was relatively untroubled as the visitors barely fired a shot in the first half.

Fans have become accustomed to seeing spectacular goals from Jordan Yong this season and he didn’t disappoint, expertly converting a free kick with a stunning strike to open the scoring.

Only the crossbar prevented the hosts taking a commanding lead before the break.
Suburbs continued to dominate territory and possession in the second stint against an underwhelming Universities outfit.

Half a dozen shots at goal later, Ben Wright finally netted a second for Suburbs shortly after oranges, guiding in a pinpoint Jordan cross.

A red card to skipper George Moore compounded Universities’ woes in the second half.
However, a rare defensive lapse saw Universities score what looked like a consolation goal late in the piece.

Then, with seconds remaining and Universities on attack, Jonathan Gough was penalised inside the box, giving the visitors the chance to snatch a draw.

Step up Corey Wilson.

After four weeks off, Corey performed a picture-perfect save to the delight of the home fans.

“I’m absolutely shattered now,” he said.

Corey says a gut feeling told him which direction to dive.

“Penalties are 50-50, you just have to pick a side. I never go that side and I just thought I’d go left today.”

As the ball rocketed into Corey’s gloves, the final whistle blew and the crowd roared.

“I didn’t even know how long there was to go but we will take the three points.”

Suburbs now sit third in the Mainland Premier League and will next face Nomads in Christchurch this Saturday.