Bula FC have claimed a precious victory over ten-man Solomon Kings as they made a winning start to Round 2 of the OFC Pro League in Port Moresby.
Having come through Round 1 without a victory, Stephane Auvray’s side will be delighted to hit the ground running, thanks to Nabil Begg’s late first-half goal.
Chances were at a premium throughout, with Kaile Auvray the main source of threat for Bula FC with his pace and direct running.
The winger had the first real attempt of the match, dragging an effort on the angle wide of the far post, before forcing a smart save from Solomon Kings FC captain Phillip Mango with a low drive.
At the other end Jez Lofthouse almost stole the lead for Ben Chan’s side with a glancing header that Didier Desprez tipped over the bar.
The breakthrough arrived in the final minutes of the half. An excellent through ball from Setareki Hughes found Nabil Begg on the far side of the box. The forward’s initial effort was saved by Mango but he made no mistake when given a second chance, smashing high into the roof of the net.
A difficult assignment would get even more challenging for Solomon Kings when they were reduced to ten men early in the second-half.
Don Keana hauled down Kaile Auvray has he beard down on goal and whilst referee David Yareboinen initially brandished a yellow card, it was upgraded to red following a on-pitch VAR review.
Auvray twice had opportunities from free-kicks to double his side’s advantage, but cleared the bar with one and flashed a second past Mango’s post.
To their credit, Solomon Kings continued to push in search of a leveller, despite their man disadvantage, but struggled to carve out clear cut chances to test Desprez in the Bula FC goal.
The win lifts Bula FC up to 3rd place in the table, leapfrogging Solomon Kings FC who remain 4th.
Bula FC: 1 (Nabil BEGG 44′)
Solomon Kings FC: 0
HT: 1-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek