South Melbourne FC overcame a spirited Vanuatu United FC to finish Round 2 with a convincing win.
Three red cards, plus a sending off for head coach Lars Hopp, had Vanuatu United on the back foot for most of the ninety minutes, despite having taken an early lead.
57 seconds were on the clock when Luka Coveny’s pass back to goalkeeper Jake Charlston was under hit, allowing Alex Saniel to steal in and finish first time.
Jordan Swibel went close to an equaliser, forcing Matt Acton into a fine save from close range, as South Melbourne responded well to the setback.
Swibel was again to the fore when the equaliser arrived. His shot striking the base of the post before Lucas Inglese was on hand to turn in the rebound from close range.
Vanuatu United’s fast start seemed a world away, as soon after conceding they were down to ten men. Robea Haruel’s high challenge merited a VAR check and referee Cory Mills swiftly brandished the red card.
South Melbourne duly made the man advantage count just before half-time. Yuki Uchida winning a corner and the Japanese forward was on hand to head in at the near post deep into stoppage time.
Any hope that Lars Hopp had for his side to draw level were dealt a blow early in the second-half, when they were reduced to nine men.
Kerry Iawak, already on a caution, was adjudged to have brought down Uchida on the edge of the area and the referee didn’t hesitate in showing a second yellow.
Their challenge became considerably tougher when referee Mills pointed to the spot following a VAR check for a harsh handball. Swibel stepped up and powered his spot kick into the corner to make it 3-1.
To their credit, Vanuatu United didn’t let their heads drop and Alex Saniel gave them hope, bundling in from a corner kick via his knee to reduce the deficit to one.
There was to be no heroic comeback however and the result was sealed inside the final ten minutes. Matt Acton failing to bring the ball under control and when it was played back into the six yard box, Swibel was on hand to tap into the unguarded net.
A fifth arrived late into stoppage time, via a fantastic free-kick from Andrew Mesourouni, flashing his effort into the top corner past an outstretched Matt Acton.
There still remained time for the final sending off of the contest, when William Cardona was given his marching orders seconds before full-time.
The result means South Melbourne FC consolidate their place in second, now just four points behind Auckland FC, whilst Vanuatu United head to Round 3 still in search of their first win.
South Melbourne FC: 5 (Lucas INGLESE 23′, Yuki UCHIDA 45+6′, Jordan SWIBEL (P) 64′, 83, Andrew Mesourouni 90+8′)
Vanuatu United: 2 (Alex SANIEL 1′, 71′)
HT: 2-1
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek