Auckland FC claim a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Tahiti United in a weather-disrupted clash in Melbourne, stretching their advantage at the top of the table.
After both teams had their midweek fixtures postponed due to thunderstorms, they entered the contest well-rested following the extended break. The league leaders had an early opportunity to take control when Isa Prins was brought down in the box by Tahiti United goalkeeper Teave Teamotuaitau.
Although initially waved away, the decision was overturned after a VAR review and a penalty was awarded. Prins stepped up, but his effort was saved. VAR intervened again shortly after when Oscar Faulds turned home a Jonathan Robinson cross, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
At the other end, Tahiti United showed their threat. Captain Teaonui Tehau forced a sharp save from Oscar Mason, and from the resulting rebound, Matéo Degrumelle rattled the post.
The contest was interrupted once again by the Melbourne weather, with thunder and lightning forcing players from the field for 30 minutes, late in the first half, before play resumed.
Faulds, determined to make an impact after his earlier disallowed goal, went close again early in the second half. Latching onto a clever pass from Prins, he struck from the edge of the area, only to see his effort crash against the crossbar.
With the match finely balanced, the decisive moment arrived just after the hour – and it came from a costly error. A loose pass from Teamotuaitau was seized upon, allowing Matt Ellis to race through on goal and finish confidently to hand Auckland FC the breakthrough.
Auckland FC stood firm in the closing stages to secure all three points. The result strengthens their position at the top of the table.
Player of the Match: Ronan Wynne
OFC Player of the Match: Jonathan Robinson
