Substitute Aston Burns scored a late winner and Oscar Mason produced a stoppage-time penalty save to give Auckland FC a narrow victory over Solomon Kings FC in Honiara.
The only team to beat Auckland FC this season, Solomon Kings were backed by thousands of noisy and passionate fans inside the National Stadium, keen to see the country’s first-ever professional football team.
The early stages were dominated by the home team, with the volume levels rising considerably any time Ben Cahn’s side picked up possession inside the Auckland FC half.
Despite this, it was the New Zealanders with the first shot on goal. Matt Ellis picking up the ball on the right-hand side and flashing an effort just wide of Junior Petua’s far post.
At the other end, Japanese playmaker Sota Higashide produced a similar effort, with his cross-shot arrowing wide of Oscar Mason’s goal.
The league leaders certainly stepped up their game in the second-half but clear cut chances remained at a premium.
Emiliano Tade went close just over five minutes after the break, when his free-kick from the right floated over everyone, including ‘keeper Petua, only to thud back off the crossbar.
Isa Prins was the next to have a sight of goal. The midfielder rising highest to glance a header goalward, but his effort lacked pace and direction, unable to force a save from Petua.
Solomon Kings were struggling to replicate their first half confidence but did slowly work their way back into the contest.
William Komasi drilled a wonderful effort just wide from nearly 30 yards, whilst Don Keana brought out a smart save from Oscar Mason when firing in at the near post.
Auckland however continued to look the more threatening when they did get into attacking positions and had the decisive say late on.
Aston Burns, who had been brought off the bench by Luke Casserly to add some firepower, did just that with minutes remaining.
The forward picking the ball up on the right-wing and driving at the Solomon Kings defence, gliding with ease past three players before prodding his effort underneath Petua to break the deadlock.
There would be late drama to threaten their lead however. Referee David Yareboinen awarding a penalty in the tenth minute of stoppage time, throwing the home side a lifeline.
Sota Higashide stepped up to take, but was denied by a stunning save by Mason, throwing himself to his left and tipping the ball around the post, ensuring the three points for the Kiwis.
Solomon Kings FC: 0
Auckland FC: 1 (Aston BURNS 87′)
HT: 0-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek