Auckland lay down early marker with derby win in OFC Pro League

Auckland FC have stamped an early mark on the inaugural Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League.

The side claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over South Island United in the first-ever North v South derby, played in front of an energetic crowd at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday.

With Pacific football entering a new professional era, the clash carried added significance.

Earlier in the day, Vanuatu United FC and Bula FC drew 2-2 to share the points, giving both New Zealand sides a clear chance to seize an early advantage at the top of the table.

South Island United started with intent and confidence, unsettling the hosts in the opening stages.

Forward Ryan Feutz looked sharp on the ball and drew attention with a powerful run into the area that ended on the ground, prompting a brief VAR check which ruled no foul.

South Island United’s David Yoo, left, and Auckland FC’s Liam Gillion during their opening OFC Pro League match in Auckland. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek/Shane Wenzlick

Before that, former Wellington Phoenix striker Oskar van Hattum had gone close, finding space just inside the box but lifting his effort over the crossbar.

Auckland FC gradually grew into the contest and began to assert control as the half progressed.

Their pressure told just after the half-hour mark. Oscar Faulds, who had already tested goalkeeper Steven van Dijk, reacted quickest when South Island United failed to clear a corner, finishing from close range to open the scoring.

Faulds almost doubled the lead moments later. A sharp break from Liam Gillion ended with a precise cross, but the midfielder mistimed his header and sent it wide.

The second half opened at a slower tempo, with both sides struggling to build sustained momentum.

Auckland FC, however, continued to look the more threatening. Gillion and substitute Isa Prins both had chances to extend the lead, but the margin remained narrow.

South Island United nearly found a way back into the match with 20 minutes remaining. From a long throw, Christian Gray laid the ball off for Ollie van Rijssel, whose effort from close range flashed narrowly wide.

VAR again played a role late on, as Jaylen Rodwell was judged not to have deliberately handled the ball following an on-field review, allowing play to continue.

Any remaining doubt was removed in the 83rd minute. Substitute Jonathan Robinson surged into the box and cut the ball back for fellow replacement Bailey Ferguson, who calmly finished to make it 2-0.

Vanuatu United FC’s Alex Saniel celebrates the opening goal of the OFC Pro League 2026, Vanuatu United FC v Bula FC, Eden Park, Auckland, Saturday 17 January 2026. Photo/OFC Media/Phototek/Shane Wenzlick

Another VAR intervention followed soon after, this time resulting in a penalty for Auckland FC. Liam Gillion stepped up and converted despite Van Dijk getting a hand to the shot, capping an influential performance and sealing a comprehensive win.

The result gives Auckland FC an early foothold in the competition, while also underlining the ambition and intensity of the new league.

As the OFC Pro League continues, the focus now shifts to whether the chasing pack can respond or if Auckland FC have already set the standard.

Auckland FC 3 (Oscar Faulds 31’, Bailey Ferguson 83’, Liam Gillion 88’ pen)
South Island United 0. Half-time: 1-0.