Solomon Kings FC handed Auckland FC their first loss of the season, with a convincing 3-1 victory in Port Moresby.
Expectations were high for an entertaining, yet perhaps low-scoring affair, with the league’s two best defences going head-to-head.
The substantial Papua New Guinea heat certainly seemed to effect Auckland FC more than it did Solomon Kings, with the league leaders looking sluggish all throughout the first period, constantly a step behind as Ben Cahn’s side moved the ball around the park with confidence.
Sota Higashide and Junior David both tested goalkeeper Blake Callinan early on, the latter forcing an excellent save from the young stopper as Solomon Kings pushed for an opener.
Jez Lofthouse went close with a low effort before his side were given an excellent chance to go in front, when Higashide’s flicked pass was handled by Daniel Normann and David Yareboinen pointed to the spot.
Higashide stepped up and calmly lifted the ball down the middle to give Solomon Kings a deserved lead.
It was a lead that was doubled shortly before half-time. Higashide ghosting into the area and crossing for Bobby Leslie to nip in and prod the ball under Callinan from close range.
Luke Casserly unsurprisingly made a couple of changes at the break to try and inject some energy into this flagging side.
Solomon Kings however continued where they left off, moving the ball at speed and it wasn’t long until they added a third.
Higashide was again to the fore, finding space in between the lines and lifting a perfectly-weighted ball over the Auckland FC defence to Jez Lofthouse, with the Australian bringing the ball down and finishing smartly from close range.
Higashide came within inches of grabbing his second and his team’s fourth, rattling a long-range effort against the post as Solomon Kings looked to kill off the contest.
To their credit, Auckland FC continued to work hard, trying to find a way back in and did score a consolation goal late on. Liam Gillion was fed by Emiliano Tade and though his finish was initially ruled out for offside, a VAR check overturned the call and the goal stood.
The New Zealanders remain top of the table, with Solomon Kings FC climbing to 3rd, level on points with second-place South Melbourne FC.
Auckland FC: 1 (Liam GILLION 87′)
Solomon Kings FC: 3 (Sota HIGASHIDE (P) 41′, Bobby LESLIE 45+1′, Jez LOFTHOUSE 55′)
HT: 0-2
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek