Two goals in two minutes from South Melbourne FC sealed a 2-1 win over Auckland FC on the opening match day of Round 6 in the OFC Pro League Leaders Group.
It was Hellas’ first victory over the league leaders this season, following a 1-1 draw in Melbourne and a 3-2 defeat in Fiji, with the two title favourites going head-to-head at the earliest possible opportunity after the league split.
Jacob Eliopoulos opened the scoring in the 21st minute, rising to head home from a well-worked corner with South Melbourne’s signature set-piece delivery once again on point. Sebastian Pasquali doubled the lead only two minutes later, meeting a driven pass from the right and finishing low into the bottom corner, as Auckland FC struggled to find a foothold in the match.
The New Zealand side remained resilient however and responded through a sharp counter-attack, winning possession in midfield before a neat pass from Matt Ellis found Zac Zoricich, who pulled one back shortly before half-time.
It finished off a stop-start opening half, with four yellow cards shown, as both sides tried to stamp their authority on proceedings, knowing a win would put them in a strong position to secure a semi-final place next week.
It set up a tense second period, as Luke Casserly’s side applied early pressure in search of an equaliser, while South Melbourne looked to extend their lead – both teams creating chances in the opening exchanges but failing to convert.
A heavy collision between Yuki Uchida and Auckland FC captain Michael den Heijer saw the pair clash heads inside the box, forcing the latter off with an injury. The tempo dropped as the half progressed, with both teams searching for a crucial goal, but struggling to test either goalkeeper.
Auckland FC upped the intensity as the clocked ticked over into stoppage time, desperate to find an equaliser, but meeting fierce resistance from a resolute South Melbourne FC backline.
The Australian side held on to secure the three points, with the result setting up an enticing clash with South Island United at Eden Park, while Auckland FC look to re-group when they take on Bula FC in two days time.
Auckland FC: 1 (Zac ZORICICH 41′)
South Melbourne FC: 2 (Jacob ELIOPOULOS 21′, Sebastian PASQUALI 23′)
HT: 1-2
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek