The Oakleigh Cannons had silenced the Thunder's raucous supporters with an authoritative display that saw the visitors lead 2-0 at the break.

After being shocked by a Thunder last-minute winner earlier in the season, the Cannons asserted their authority early and had the undefeated runaway league leaders on the back foot for much of the opening term.

Goals to Ivan Franjic and Jerry Karpeh had the Cannons' fans braying and Thunder coach Stuart Munro, who moved from Oakleigh at the end of last season, scratching his head.

But all dreams came to an end. In the second half Dandenong fought back with goals to Joey Di Iorio and Alex Tabol, with Cannons' keeper Adrian Cagalj saving a penalty.

The game ended in controversy when the Cannons had a penalty appeal turned down in extra time. Oakleigh claimed striker Juan Nilo had clearly been pushed in the penalty area.

The draw hoists the Cannons back into contention for a top-five finals spot, following their 2-1 defeat of Heidelberg on last Sunday week.

The Thunder are eight points clear, but there are only a handful of points between South Melbourne in second spot and the Cannons in ninth.

Oakleigh meets the Melbourne Knights at Mansion Stadium, Somers Street, Sunshine, on Sunday, June 14 at 3pm.