Coming off a strong mid-week win over second-placed Kemblawarra, Highlands FC wasted no time to take the lead with Brian Montinari scoring the goal of the season to set up a 1-0 lead.

Montinari’s goal continued a purple patch for the right winger, who has now scored four goals in the past two matches.

Wests responded with a goal of their own before debutant Tim Allen scored from a Chris Packer cross to put FC in front 2-1 at the break.

The two teams continued to trade goals in the second half with Jed Hilmi among the scorers.

Highlands FC took the lead 4-3 with less than 10 minutes remaining and James Donlan had a chance to make it 5-3 and seal the upset.

Donlan drew the Wests goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation and only had to work the ball into an open goal, but as he struck the ball, it bobbled, hit him on the knee and the opportunity was squandered.

Wests scored late in the match to make it 4-4.

FC coach Faron Barker said he was happy with the point, but it could have been a different story.

“All of their goals were equalisers and they came when we struggled to clear the ball out of defence,” he said.

“They scored four, we scored four, good luck to them, they were a good team.”

Allen impressed on his debut while young centre-midfielder Christian Schelloge was awarded man of the match.

Highlands FC have a double header this weekend and if they can pick up the six points on offer they will be just outside the top four.

Barker said his team hadn’t ruled out making the finals.

“We’re still an outside chance and we are all keen to get there,” Barker said.