A late strike from substitute Aston Burns and a dramatic stoppage-time penalty save from Oscar Mason secured a hard-fought victory for Auckland FC over Solomon Kings FC in Honiara.
Backed by thousands of passionate supporters inside the National Stadium, Solomon Kings, the only team to have beaten Auckland FC this season, started brightly, with the home crowd roaring every time they ventured into the Auckland half.
Despite the early pressure, it was the visitors who produced the first chance. Matt Ellis picked up the ball on the right and drove forward before flashing a shot narrowly wide of the far post.
Auckland lifted their tempo after the break, but clear-cut chances remained limited. Emi Tade came closest five minutes into the second half, his curling free-kick from the right drifting over everyone, before crashing back off the crossbar.
Midfielder Isa Prins then had an opportunity of his own, rising highest to meet a cross with a glancing header, but the effort lacked the power and direction to trouble Petua.
But when the decisive moment arrived, it belonged to Auckland.
Introduced by Luke Casserly to add attacking spark, Aston Burns delivered exactly that in the closing minutes. Collecting the ball on the right wing, the forward surged at the Solomon Kings’ defence, weaving past three players before sliding a low finish beneath the keeper to break the deadlock.
There was still time for late drama. In the 10th minute of stoppage time, the referee awarded Solomon Kings a penalty, handing the home side a final chance to rescue a point.
Mason produced a stunning save, diving low to his left to tip the ball around the post and seal a memorable win for Auckland FC.
Player of the Match: Oscar Mason
OFC Player of the Match: Tass Mourdoukoutas
