ROY Krishna’s Bula FC went into the Leaders Group stage of the OFC Championship against South Island United on a high after key wins in Round Five.
Setareki Hughes and Gabriele Matanisiga linked up well as they tried to put Kaile Auvray into open space as they pressed forward.
On the opposite end, Rovu Boyers terrified the Bula FC defensive line each time he pushed towards the box. Boyers has been a formidable striker for South Island in the previous pool stages.
In the 44th minute Hughes was red carded for a dangerous tackle after a review by the VAR (Video Assistant Referee). It’s not known whether Hughes will be eligible for the next Bula FC matches.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Bula FC fought bravely.
Didier Desprez played brilliantly in goal for Bula and kept the line secure until Lewis Partridge lobbed a lovely cross into the box for Ryan Feutz to score with a beautiful header right at the end of extra time.
Heartbreak for Bula FC as South Island United won 1 – 0.
In the second match South Melbourne were two goals up against Auckland in 25 minutes with a prolific header from Jacob Eliopoulos, and then a fantastic long range shot from outside the box by Sebastian Pasquali.
Auckland FC looked rattled as they scrambled around the field but they managed to score one just before the half-time break. Zac Zoricich drilled it in, low and hard.
In the second half, with some urgency in their attack, Auckland had some very close misses. South Melbourne defended well to maintain their precious 2 – 1 lead and win the game.
