Vanuatu United turned in their best performance of the season to see off Solomon Kings and register their second win in a row in Melbourne.
Heavy rain and thunderstorms had seen both of yesterday’s matches postponed, allowing these two sides an opportunity to press their top four credentials ahead of the weekend.
Solomon Kings have been impressive throughout two rounds, boasting the best defensive record in the league, but were on the backfoot for much of the first-half.
Defender David Supa almost cost them early on with a lazy back pass to goalkeeper Phillip Mango, who was fortunately able to scramble the ball clear.
William Cardona was back in the starting eleven for Vanuatu United and it was the instrumental midfielder who broke the deadlock. The American’s corner-kick from the left-hand side whipped over everyone, including Mango, nestling in the far corner to make it 1-0.
Lars Hopp’s side had the ball in the net again shortly after when Otto Ingham squared for Raymond Diho to finish, but Ingham had been flagged offside in the buildup.
Solomon Kings would have been thankful for the half-time break and a chance to reset but they were immediately under pressure after the restart and were two down within ten minutes.
Ingham crossed into the area from the left, Owen Smith laid the ball off and Bill Kaltack arrowed a stunning volley low and past Mango into the corner to spark joyous scenes from the loud and passionate Vanuatu United support.
There were some sparks of attacking intent from Solomon Kings, with Jez Lofthouse forcing a smart save from Matt Acton after cutting in from the right and firing low at goal.
Rafa Lea’i was brought off the bench on the hour mark as Ben Cahn looked to try and turn the tide, with his team struggling to create clear cut chances.
VAR was again involved to deny Vanuatu United. This time Owen Smith sprinting clear and after his initial effort hit both posts, the forward scrambled in the rebound, only for a subsequent check to deem he had strayed offside.
Yet another check denied Vanuatu United soon after. This time Raymond Diho had the ball in the net but after a VAR check, the young forward had been in an offside position when teammate Alex Saniel got a slight touch to the ball.
Saniel himself was the next to have a chance to kill off the tie but he was denied by a good save by Mango when through on goal.
Lea’i came close to a consolation in the final seconds with an excellent run and low effort that cracked off Matt Acton’s right-hand post but time was fast running out for Solomon Kings.
The victory keeps Vanuatu United in fifth place but they are now level with South Island United, kept out of the top four only by goal difference.
Vanuatu United FC: 2 (William CARDONA 29′, Bill KALTACK 53′)
Solomon Kings FC: 0
HT: 1-0
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek