Financially-troubled Northern Spirit was spared the humiliation of a defeat a day before liquidation talks started with Soccer Australia with a 1-1 draw to Newcastle United at Pittwater Park in their NSL clash.

Trailing 1-0 at halftime, Spirit notched its first draw of the season thanks to a home goal by Newcastle midfielder Scott Thomas in the 63rd minute.

Thomas tapped the ball in from a clever cross from the left flank by Spirit striker Dylan MacAllister.

United striker Esala Masi opened the scoring from the midfield off a free kick 10 minutes shy of halftime.

Masi was deprived of claiming United's second goal after his free kick attempt was ruled an indirect hit just one minute from the main break.

It was Newcastle's second match this weekend after its Friday night 1-0 defeat to South Melbourne.

Spirit coach Lawrie McKinna was trying to stay positive about his club's future prior to Monday's liquidation discussions with the Australian soccer's governing body.

"If it doesn't go well, we've got 35 players and staff out of a job," McKinna said.

"We've got a great squad and they deserve credit for what they've done - they've hung in there since last Christmas."

McKinna hoped the on-field encouragement would translate into success at Monday's talks.

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