OFC Pro League: Pacific sides hold firm in round two as Solomon Kings and Bula FC earn draws

Pacific teams stood tall in Round Two action of the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Pro League as Solomon Kings FC and Bula FC both secured hard-fought draws in Papua New Guinea on Wednesday.

The results underline the region’s growing strength on the continental stage.

Solomon Kings remained in the top four after dominating long periods against South Island United, only to be denied by an outstanding goalkeeping performance in a goalless draw.

Meanwhile in Port Moresby, Bula FC from Fiji showed grit and composure to fight back for a 1-1 result against South Melbourne FC in testing conditions.

Solomon Kings FC controlled much of their match against South Island United, creating the better chances and keeping the New Zealanders pinned back for extended spells.

Their best opportunity came in the first half when a penalty was awarded after Jaylen Rodwell pulled down Gordon Iro at a corner.

Jez Lofthouse stepped up, but his well-struck effort was superbly saved by goalkeeper Steven Van Dijk, who dived low to his right.

A second penalty was briefly awarded soon after, following a challenge on Fordney Junior, but referee Jose Cabero reversed the decision after a review by the video assistant referee (VAR).

The pressure continued after the break, with Solomon Kings pushing forward and forcing a series of saves. Van Dijk again denied Atkin Kaua after neat link-up play involving Bobbie Leslie.

Solomon Kings FC and South Island United battle for possession during their Round 2 clash, which ended in a hard-fought scoreless draw. Photo/OFC

South Island United threatened late, with Sota Higashide dragging a shot wide after capitalising on a defensive slip, before David Yoo struck the outside of the post from distance.

The New Zealand side thought they had won it at the death when Oskar Van Hattum headed home, but VAR ruled out the goal for a foul in the build-up.

Bula FC fight back in Port Moresby

Bula FC were forced to weather early pressure against South Melbourne FC, who opened the scoring through Andrew Mesourouni after 15 minutes.

Despite the Australians pushing for a second and hitting the crossbar through Luka Coveny, Bula stayed composed and struck back just before half-time.

Christopher Wasasala dispossessed South Melbourne captain Marco Jankovic and slid a low finish underneath goalkeeper Jake Charlston from a tight angle to make it 1-1.

Bula almost went ahead moments later when a deflected corner struck the underside of the crossbar.

Both sides lifted their intensity after the break as the heat began to tell. Mesourouni fired over from the edge of the area, while substitute Setareki Hughes went close for Bula, racing onto a long clearance but pushing his effort narrowly wide.

Despite late changes, including the introduction of Roy Krishna, neither side could find the matchwinner, with a point each a fair reflection of an entertaining contest.

Bula FC and South Melbourne FC contest a lively Round 2 encounter in Port Moresby, which finished 1-1. Photo/OFC

Both Pacific teams now turn their attention to the weekend, with Solomon Kings facing Auckland FC on Saturday while Bula FC continue their campaign with confidence after another resilient showing. The Fijians face Tahiti United on Sunday.

Round two of the OFC Pro League ends this weekend. For more details on the tournament, click here.