South Island United and South Melbourne FC shared six goals in an epic 3-3 draw on match day two of Round 2 at the OFC Pro League in Port Moresby.
The Kiwis had a win and a loss to their name following the first round, whilst South Melbourne FC were looking to continue their 100% record following two wins from two in Auckland.
It was South Island United who made the more pressing start, opening the scoring after just nine minutes through Haris Zeb. The forward taking advantage of Ilia Shalamanov-Trenkova’s inability to claim a cross and firing in the loose ball.
To their credit, South Melbourne reacted well and were level ten minutes later. Jordan Lampard’s well-weighted pass finding Yuki Uchida and the Japanese forward calmly slid the ball under the on-rushing Steven van Dijk.
Sinisa Cohadzic’s side grew into the game well and were on top for much of the remainder of the half.
They were rewarded for their dominance just before the break, when Uchida collided with Van Dijk in the box and referee Ben Aukwai pointed to the spot.
Maximilian Mikkola made no mistake with his penalty, rifling the ball into the top corner.
South Island United were able to shake off that late disappointment as they started the second period well and truly on the front foot.
Just seven minutes were on the clock when Haris Zeb picked up the ball and drove into the South Melbourne box, cutting the ball back for David Yoo to bury from close range.
It got even better three minutes later, when Jaylen Rodwell scored what will surely be a candidate for goal of the season. The midfielder picking up Marco Jankovic’s clearance 30 yards from goal and arrowing a stunning effort into the top corner to give South Island United the lead.
The end-to-end action continued as the Australians chased an equaliser. Jordan Swibel was denied by a good block from Daunte Mariner before Van Dijk made an excellent double save to keep out Swibel and Bonada in quick succession.
The former Sydney FC striker wasn’t to be denied however as he finally got his goal, finishing neatly from close range after an good run and cross by substitute Arran Cocks.
Both sides were clearly not content with settling for a point and the match continued to be stretched as they went in search of a late winner.
That winner wouldn’t come for either side however, with a point apiece arguably a fair reflection of a fantastic game.
