Henri Gardner scored a double for the defending champions as he firstly put Leeton up 1-0, and then helped the vistors level the scores at 2-2.

Matt Klein opened the scoring for Lake Albert, levelling the scores to go into the main break at 1-1, before Jaiden Watson made the most of a penalty to put the Sharks ahead early in the second half. That's where the scoreline stayed in an even affair at Rawlings Park.

Lake Albert co-coach Chris Ayton was happy to see an improvement from the week before, where they went down 3-0 to Henwood Park.

"I think (2-2) was a pretty fair result in the end," Ayton said.

"I was really happy with our defensive work. Leeton are a good side and put us under the pump but our defence was a brick wall, really.

"It was a massive step up from the week prior, which is good."

Leeton United coach Frank Alampi was happy enough with the way United played and thought they could have easily came away with the three points.

"We had good movement, and they were just able to close down our shots," Alampi told The Irrigator.

"I challenged the boys before the game to go out there and play some good football, and they did.

"The first half was really good, we started pretty slow in the second half, and when they scored, they dropped their heads a little bit and took about 20 minutes to get going again.

"We were able to get going and probably should have jagged three or four but only got the one."

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Meantime, Wagga United and Tumut were forced to share the points in their Matt Lopez Round clash.

The Eagles were keen to win in the round dedicated to their former coach, president and player but drew 2-2 with Wagga United.

It was Tumut's second draw of the year as they search for their first win of the season.

Wagga United remain five points outside the top four in sixth position and face the undefeated ladder leaders, Hanwood, this Sunday.

Henwood Park moved to second spot, on goal difference, courtesy of a 19-0 thrashing of Cootamundra.

Matt Cain and Ashley Woehler both scored four goals in the romp.

Henwood Park co-coach Matt Menser is happy with how the Hawks are travelling heading into a big trip to Young this Sunday.

"Last week was a good result against Lake. It was nice to have an easier hit-out this week with Young at Young this weekend, which will be tough," Menser said.

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