HONIARA turned up in numbers to cheer on the home side against Auckland FC in Round Four of the OFC Pro League at the National Stadium.
Auckland FC started the round at the top of the leaderboard with the Solomon Kings FC in third place in what was anticipated to be a thrilling encounter.
From the start, the home crowd rallied behind the Solomon Kings FC, and Atkin Kaua, Junior David, Bobby Leslie, and Sota Higashide led the attack.
Auckland FC keeper Oscar Mason was on high alert as Solomon Kings FC left winger Jez Lofthouse set up play for Higashide and Fordney Junior.
David Supa and William Komasi were sharp on defence for the Solomon Kings FC, communicating well with goalkeeper Junior Petua every time Auckland FC went in search of a goal.
Jonathan Robinson and Isa Prins led Auckland FC’s attack while James Bayliss was the defensive organizer. Despite all the action and attempted goals, the scores remained nil at halftime.
The pace remained intense in the second half as the Solomon Kings FC adjusted their attacking shapes, with Komasi leading the charge. He was close on a couple of occasions, his shots within inches of landing inside the net.
But just as the match seemed destined for a draw, center-forward Aston Burns scored a spectacular goal for Auckland FC in the 87th minute.
With 10 minutes of injury time added, Auckland FC committed an infringement in the box with seconds on the clock.
Higashide took the penalty shot for the Solomon Kings FC, but Mason was there to make another super save and crush the hopes of the home fans.
Auckland FC won 1 – Solomon Kings FC 0.