The tri-friendly series is part of the Warriors preparations as they build to the OFC Champions League which is due to begin in March.
A Bata Furai header minutes into the second-half gave the home side a 1-0 advantage over Erakor which remained until the final whistle.
A foul on Gagame Feni just outside Erakor’s 18-year box was taken by Solomon Warriors playmaker Judd Molea who chipped in a cross which found defender Furai in the right place at the right time to nod the ball into the back of the net.
Warriors coach Moses Toata was a relieved man after the match, acknowledging that his side was really put to the test by the Port Vila Premier League runners-up.
“As we expected Erakor gave us a goor run for our money and exposed some of our weaknesses. However, it is always good to come away with a win so we have have something positive to build upon for our next clash,” Toata says.
The Warriors intent was clear from the outset as they chased an early advantage but they found it impossible to break Erakor’s resolve ahead of the break.
Futsal international Micah Lea’alafa led the way in the tenth minute with a chip over Ernest Bong but Brian Kaltack recovered in time to clear the ball to safety.
Four more unfinished plays followed as it became apparent that finishing was an issue for the Warriors, despite their almost complete dominance of the opening stanza. James Naka stumbled in the 29th minute and efforts from Dennis Ifunaoa and James Donga also went awry of the goal mouth.
The second-half saw more enterprising runs from the Erakor Golden Star forwards as efforts on goal started coming thick and fast.
Jean Kaltack scared the stadium with an individual drive but his finish was well read by Silas Seda who went low to make the save. Jack Nicko was also threatening on the flank but Emmanuel Poila and Hadisi Aengari kept him in check.
Midway through the second-half Erakor Golden Star were dealt a tough blow when Bong exited the pitch with a hamstring injury and second keeper Julian Kalotana was called in to action.
However, Kalotana did not have much to do as his defenders provided him adequate cover from the tiring Warriors front line who applied little pressure.
Both teams poured in substitutes as the match drew on but the required impact could not be made. Fortunately for Solomon Warriors Furai’s goal was enough for the day.
The second match in the tri-friendly series will take place on Wednesday at 4.30pm (local time) and the final clash is at the same time on Friday.
For more on Solomon Islands football go to www.siff.com.sb

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