Solomon Kings FC have moved up to third place in the OFC Pro League standings after a narrow victory over PNG Hekari FC in rainy conditions in Melbourne.
Off the back of an eye-catching victory over Auckland FC in Round 2, Ben Cahn’s side were impressive from the off, despite torrential rain providing a tricky surface at Olympic Park.
As has so often been the case this season, Japanese attacker Sota Higashide was the principal attacking outlet for Solomon Kings, scoring one and setting up another with his excellent creativity.
It was almost an own goal however that opened the scoring. PNG Hekari FC defender Lekima Gonerau sliding in to make a clearance early on, only to see his re-direct clip the base of the post, much to his relief.
Less than a quarter of an hour was on the clock when Higashide made his mark. Jez Lofthouse’s cross from the left-hand side cleared those in the middle of the area, falling to Higashide, who slammed into the roof of the net with aplomb.
PNG Hekari tried hard to work their way back into the contest and almost snatched a leveller through veteran forward Raymond Gunemba, only for his well-struck effort to thud off the underside of the crossbar.
PNG Hekari made a change between the sticks at half-time, with Dave Tomare coming on for Nabo Pongi, who appeared to have picked up a knock.
Tomare however would be fishing the ball out of his net within five minutes of the restart – Higashide playing a smart one-two with Fordney Junior, before slotting a square ball across for Junior David to tuck in from a couple of yards out.
The rain briefly subsided but it returned as the half wore in. PNG Hekari toiled to find a way back in but were eventually gifted the opportunity to halve the deficit in the final twenty minutes.
David Supa was adjudged to have handled in the area, with referee Kavitesh Behari pointing to the spot following a VAR check.
Joseph Joe took the penalty and despite Phillip Mango saving his initial effort, Joe composed himself well enough to bury the rebound and get his side back in the contest.
The challenge of holding onto their lead became even tougher for Solomon Kings, when Atkin Kaua was shown a red card following a VAR check for violent conduct.
The check contributed to the substantial nine minutes of additional time added, as PNG Hekari searched for an equaliser.
It wasn’t to be however and Solomon Kings held firm as the rain lashed down, securing another win and moving into third place in the standings.
Solomon Kings FC: 2 (Sota HIGASHIDE 13′, Junior DAVID 50′)
PNG Hekari FC: 1 (Joseph JOE (P) 77′)
HT: 1-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek