Auckland FC have continued their fine form in the OFC Pro League with a convincing victory over Tahiti United at the Santos National Football Stadium.
Luke Casserly made a number of changes to his side from the eleven that begin the victory over PNG Hekari FC, emphasising the depth in quality at his disposal.
It was one of those changes, Kian Donkers, who found the early breakthrough.
Tahiti United goalkeeper Teave Teamotuaitau failed to deal with a long through ball and when the resulting cross was played in, Donkers was on hand to finish from close range.
Fears that the floodgates may open were quelled however, as Tahiti United responded to the early setback well, restricting their opponents as the game settled.
Mateo Degrumelle and Teanonui Tehau were the biggest threats but a final product was lacking as Blake Callinan remained untroubled in the Auckland FC goal.
The league leaders entered the second period with a renewed sense of urgency and any suggestions they were happy to sit on a one goal lead were swiftly pushed aside.
Four minutes were on the clock in the second-half when James Bayliss doubled the score. Matt Ellis’ cross from the right fonnd Donkers, who calmly laid the ball off to the on-rushing Bayliss – the midfielder duly side-footing into the corner past a diving Teamotuaitau.
Two minutes later and the game was put beyond doubt. Joseph Athlae miscontrolled a long ball forward, allowing Aston Burns to race clear and the forward made no mistake, sliding the ball under the ‘keeper to make it 3-0.
Bailey Ferguson added a fourth just after the hour mark as Tahiti United wilted. Bayliss set Ferguson up, whose curled, left-footed finish into the far corner gave Teamotuaitau no chance.
Substitute Emiliano Tade did have the ball in the net late on, tapping home from a Liam Gillion cross, but the offside flag denied the Argentine and the scored finished 4-0.
Auckland FC will now look ahead to the weekend and a chance to finished around round with a 100% record, whilst Tahiti United remain on the hunt for their first victory.
Tahiti United: 0
Auckland FC: 4 (Kian DONKERS 3′, James BAYLISS 49, Aston BURNS 51′, Bailey FERGUSON 62′)
HT: 0-1
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek