Auckland stay perfect in OFC Pro League after win over Vanuatu Utd

Auckland FC continued their winning start to the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League, holding off a spirited Vanuatu United to claim a 3-1 victory at North Harbour Stadium on Tuesday night, just hours after heavy rain forced an earlier match to be postponed.

The result makes it two wins from two for the hosts, but it was far from comfortable against a Vanuatu United side that refused to back down and tested Auckland’s depth and composure.

After torrential rain washed out the day’s earlier fixture between Bula FC and South Island United, the weather eased in time for the evening match to go ahead, with a healthy crowd treated to an open and competitive contest.

Auckland coach Luke Casserly rang the changes, making nine adjustments to the team that won on Saturday, but the reshuffle paid off almost immediately.

Defender Luke Vicelich opened the scoring after just eight minutes, rising highest to meet Ronan Wynne’s long throw and looping a header over goalkeeper Matt Acton.

Vanuatu United started brightly and were unlucky to fall behind, but matters worsened midway through the first half when Emiliano Tade was brought down inside the area.

Auckland FC players celebrate a goal against Vanuatu FC. Photo/OFC Media - Phototek

After a VAR review, a penalty was awarded and Tade calmly converted to double Auckland’s lead.

Despite the setback, Vanuatu United responded with confidence and intensity. Goalkeeper Blake Callinan was kept busy before the break, producing a series of sharp saves to deny Owen Smith and Hassan Ramazani as the visitors pressed hard for a way back into the match.

The visitors' persistence paid off shortly after half-time. Alex Saniel struck far out and his effort took a deflection off team-mate Jordy Tasip, wrong-footing Callinan and finding the net to make it 2–1.

The goal unsettled Auckland FC, who took time to regain control. Casserly turned to his bench midway through the second half, introducing fresh legs to steady the side as Vanuatu United continued to threaten.

It was substitute Matt Ellis who eventually sealed the result. Linking up neatly with Isa Prins, Ellis drove a low shot into the far corner with 20 minutes remaining, restoring Auckland’s two-goal cushion and taking the sting out of the contest.

Vanuatu United were not finished, with Luka Tioni forcing a strong save from Callinan in stoppage time, but the final whistle confirmed Auckland’s second straight win of the competition.

While the result leaves Vanuatu United still searching for points, their performance will give them confidence heading into the next round.

Auckland FC now move into their final match of Round One with maximum points and growing momentum.

Earlier in the day, the OFC Pro League match between Bula FC and South Island United was postponed after an inspection deemed the pitch unplayable due to heavy rain.

Waterlogged conditions at North Harbour Stadium earlier on Tuesday forced the postponement of the match between Bula FC and South Island United. Photo/OFC Media - Phototek

The match will be rescheduled later in the competition, which continues on Wednesday at North Harbour Stadium with Tahiti United taking on PNG Hekari FC, while South Melbourne FC face Solomon Kings FC.

Round one of the OFC Pro League kicked off last Saturday and ends this weekend. The second round will be held from 31 January to 8 February in Port Moresby, PNG.

For more information on the OFC Pro League, click here.

Photo/OFC Media