Paulista wrap: Fighting draw sends Mirassol top

Mirassol came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw at home to Noroeste and move top of the Campeonato Paulista on Friday.

Two goals in the space of three first-half minutes from defender Matheus and forward Diego gave struggling Noroeste a surprise lead at Estadio Jose Maria de Campos Maia.

But defender Gustavo Bastos pulled one back for Mirassol two minutes into the second half, before striker Serginho levelled on 52 minutes.

Neither side was able to produce a winner, but the draw takes Mirassol one point above Corinthians and into top spot.

Noroeste remain 16th, but are now one point clear of the relegation zone.

Elsewhere, Mogi Mirim twice came from behind to beat Sao Bernardo 4-2.

Forward Elionar put hosts Sao Bernardo ahead within six minutes of kick-off at Estadio Municipal Primeiro de Maio.

Striker Denilson equalised four minutes later for visitors Mogi Mirim, before midfielder Dirceu restored Sao Bernardo’s lead from the penalty spot on 23 minutes.

They remained in front at half-time and it took until the 66th minute for Ytalo to level again for Mogi Mirim.

This time the visitors seized the initiative – Denilson struck again to claim a brace and make it 3-2, before Geovane weighed in with a goal on 74 minutes to make it 4-2 to Mogi Mirim and complete the transformation.

The win takes Mogi Mirim up to ninth in the table, while Sao Bernando are fourth from bottom with just nine points from 11 matches played.

Eraldo’s 75th-minute strike gave Gremio Prudente a much-needed 1-0 win at home to Ituano.

Three points sees Gremio Prudente climb off the foot of the table and into 18th place, two points off safety.

Ituano are three points better off in 14th place.