ANY trans-Tasman battle is guaranteed to be full of energy and passion.
The OFC Pro League clash between South Melbourne FC and South Islands United was no exception with the Kiwis mounting an immediate attack which left the hosts scrambling in defence.
Early pressure led to a South Island penalty nine minutes from the start, but Ryan Feutz’s kick was perfectly read by Javi Diaz Lopez.
South Melbourne were panicking in the defence, especially in their box and this eventually led to an own goal off sloppy play in the box.
Just when South Island looked to be in total control of the match, right winger Yuki Uchida pulled one back for Melbourne in the 24th minute.
Minutes later, a long left cross into the box gave captain Marco Jankovic a chance to finish it off with a marvelous header to put the home side ahead 2 – 1.
Arran Cocks, Max Mikkola and Jordon Lampard drove some close shots at goal as Melbourne looked to turn things around but keeper Steven Van Dijk was brilliant in defence.
In the second half the teams battled for possession while being wary of making mistakes. The pace slowed drastically as players were tired from all the first half action.
Two late goals to James Lackay and Jordan Swibel sealed the match which ended 4-1 to South Melbourne.