South Melbourne FC kept pace at the top of the OFC Pro League with an entertaining victory over Trans-Tasman rivals South Island United.
Due to midweek postponements, both sides had enjoyed an extended break and it showed in the early stages, with a high-octane start at both ends of the pitch.
VAR was again pivotal, as South Island United were awarded a belated penalty after Jack Painter-Andrews brought down Haris Zeb.
Ryan Feutz took the spot kick but his effort lacked conviction and it was saved well by Javier Diaz Lopez in the South Melbourne goal.
It proved to only be a brief reprieve however, as the New Zealanders took the lead shortly after. A cross from the left by Ollie van Rijssel was headed back across goal by David Yoo and Marco Jankovic’s intervention only saw the defender turn the ball into his own net.
South Melbourne responded outstandingly however and were level within a few minutes when Japanese forward Yuki Uchida latched onto a cutback from Max Mikkola to fire past Steven van Dijk.
Less than ten minutes later and the Australian side had completed the turnaround, with Jankovic atoning for his earlier effort with a terrific header, launching himself to meet a cross from Mikkola and nod home from a few yards out.
Both sides went close to adding to their total before the break. Ryan Feutz had an effort whistle just wide after an excellent turn and shot from inside the area, before Mikkola forced an reflex low save from Van Dijk as the half came to a close.
Backed by a noisy and passionate home crowd, South Melbourne built on their good first-half, showing an increased confidence in the second period.
Despite their dominance it took until almost the final quarter of an hour to score a third and all but put the game to bed.
Yuki Uchida looped a hopeful cross from the left-hand side and young substitute James Lackay was on hand to bring the ball down well and lash an effort past van Dijk.
Uchida almost grabbed his second with a low effort that had van Dijk scrambling across to keep out at his near post, as South Island United struggled to find a way back into the game.
A fourth would arrive just before full-time. Jordan Swibel confirming his place at the top of the OFC Pro League scoring charts with a free header from a corner to grab his sixth of the campaign.
The win means South Melbourne FC keep on the heels of Auckland FC at the top, whilst South Island United will be looking nervously over their shoulder at the chasing pack.
