Auckland FC held on to secure a narrow 1-0 win over Tahiti United in a weather-affected contest in Melbourne.
Both sides had seen their midweek fixtures postponed due to thunderstorms in Melbourne and were well-rested following the extended break period.
The league leaders were presented with a fantastic chance early to open the scoring, when Isa Prins was brought down in the area by Tahiti United goalkeeper Teave Teamotuaitau.
Initially not awarded, referee Ben Aukwai pointed to the spot following a VAR consultation. Prins stepped up, but his tame effort was comfortably saved by Teamotuaitau and Tahiti United survived.
VAR was again called upon to adjudicate when Oscar Faulds had the ball in the net from a Jonathan Robinson cross but the forward was deemed to have strayed offside.
Teaonui Tehau threatened at the other end for Sam Garcia’s side. The Tahiti United captain forcing a smart save from Oscar Mason before Matéo Degrumelle struck the post from the loose ball.
Weather was again a factor, when thunder and lightning called a halt to proceedings with just over ten minutes left in the half. Players were called off for 30 minutes before play was allowed to resume.
Having been denied by the offside flag earlier, Faulds was determined to have his say and went close early in the second period.
The striker made a smart run and was found by Isa Prins before hammering an effort from the edge of the area that clipped the crossbar.
There was a sense that either a moment of brilliance or a mistake would be required to open the scoring and when it came, it had a bit of both.
Goalkeeper Teamotuaitau’s slack pass out was pounced upon, with Matt Ellis played through on goal and the forward finished with confidence to give his side the lead just after the hour mark.
There was a positive response to going behind however from Tahiti United and Teaonui Tehau was to the fore. His first attempt deflected just wide, before a spectacular overhead kick almost caught out Oscar Mason, who collected the ball at the second attempt.
The victory extends Auckland FC’s lead at the top, whilst Tahiti United remain just three points outside the top four in what is turning out to be an increasingly competitive league.
Auckland FC: 1 (Matt ELLIS 62′)
Tahiti United: 0
HT: 0-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek