Solomon Kings FC have kept their semi-final hopes alive with a strong 3-0 victory over PNG Hekari FC in their final Challengers Group fixture.
After a narrow 3-2 defeat to Vanuatu United FC at the weekend, Ben Cahn’s side knew a comfortably win here, coupled with a favour from Tahiti United later in the day, would be required if they were to seal a place in the semi-final playoff.
They certainly couldn’t have asked for a better start, taking the lead after just ten minutes. Bobby Leslie linked up well with Jayroll Patty, before holding off the covering Naime Regy and slotting the ball past Christinus Biasu to open the scoring.
The ever-dangerous Jez Lofthouse was again at the heart of much of Solomon Kings’ attacking play and it came as no surprise when the Australian doubled the lead. Junior David sprung the offside trap before clipping a delicate ball to the back post for Lofthouse to nod home from a couple of yards out.
Ben Cahn was forced into an early change, brining on Don Keana for Patty and the former almost made it 3-0, firing over from inside the area following good build up play by Lofthouse and Leslie.
Unsurprisingly – considering their need to eat into the goal difference – Solomon Kings came out firing again after the break.
Bobby Leslie almost scrambled in a third shortly after the restart, but his effort on the stretch rolled just wide.
Minutes later, William Komasi fired an effort past Biasu’s left-hand post from outside the area, though the offside flag was raised for an infringement earlier in the build up.
Rafa Le’ai came off the bench as Solomon Kings’ need for goals grew in desperation. The forward almost providing, when his shot from the edge of the area whistled past the post as frustration grew.
To their credit, PNG Hekari were threatening when possible on the break. Ati Kepo was brought on by Jerry Allen and as expected, created a nuisance of himself for a Solomon Kings backline that had largely been untroubled in the second period.
With the clock ticking over into stoppage time, Solomon Kings’ persistence was finally rewarded with what could turn out to be a crucial third goal.
Rafa Le’ai controlled a cross well, turning away from his man and laying the ball off to the onrushing Lofthouse, who clinically curled his effort into the far corner to make it 3-0.
Ben Cahn and his side will now wait for the result of this evening’s fixture between Tahiti United and Vanuatu United FC to know if their semi-final hopes remain alive.
Solomon Kings FC: 3 (Bobby LESLIE 10′, Jez LOFTHOUSE 22′, 90+1′)
PNG Hekari FC: 0
HT: 2-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek