Two second-half goals from substitute Setareki Hughes gave Bula FC victory over Tahiti United and the perfect start to their week in Honiara.
The two sides were equally desperate for a win to boost their top four chances, knowing a win would put them just one point away from a potential place in the Leaders Group.
It was Tahiti United who enjoyed the lion’s share of the first-half action, with the ever-impressive Teaonui Tehau instrumental in much of their attacking play.
Manuarii Shan had the first attempt on goal – his close-range effort smothered well by Bula FC stopper Matthew Foord, before Tehau scored what he thought was the opener.
Getting his head to the ball from a Mateo Degrumelle corner, celebrations were eventually tempered following a VAR check that found the ball had brushed Tehau’s arm on the way into the net.
Roy Krishna came within inches of opening the score at the other end. The prolific marksman reacting first after Fergus Gillion’s free-kick deflected off the wall, thundering his effort off the crossbar from ten yards out.
Tehau twice came close again before the interval. First with a low effort following a lay-off by Degrumelle that Foord saved down low, before a clever clipped effort came back off the upright, as Samuel Garcia’s side pressed for the opener.
Neither side was able to maintain the impressive tempo from the first period, with Tahiti United especially struggling to create as many chances as they had in the opening 45 minutes.
Tehau unsurprisingly did have an excellent opportunity on a rare foray forward, but the captain fired wide when well placed to test Foord.
Stephane Auvray made a number of changes, including bringing on the dangerous Setareki Hughes and it was the Bula FC No.9 that made the difference.
Tahiti United failed to deal with a stock standard long ball over the top, with Hughes nipping in to beat Pothin Poma to the ball, before firing past Jackson Gardner at the near post.
Five minutes later and Hughes had his and Bula FC’s second. Fed the ball by Krishna down the right hand channel, Hughes cut inside Poma smartly before lashing an effort into the far corner, giving Gardner no chance.
Tahiti United continued to push but were largely unable to trouble Matthew Foord in the Bula FC goal.
Bula themselves will be delighted to register their third win of the season, lifting them to 12 points – now just one point off a top four position.
Bula FC: 2 (Setareki HUGHES 71′, 76′)
Tahiti United: 0
HT: 0-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek