South Melbourne FC have secured their spot in the semi-finals of the OFC Pro League, coming from behind to defeat South Island United 4-2 at Eden Park. Â
Both winners on the opening day of Leaders Group action two days prior, a win for either side would have been enough to secure passage to the last four.
The pair had played out an entertaining 3-3 draw during Round 2, and goals were again on the agenda this time – Hellas scoring all four of their goals in the first half.
South Island United opened the scoring in the 17th minute, Haris Zeb bursting forward on the counter-attack down the right wing, and Ryan Feutz finding the bottom-left corner with a first-time finish from his delivery.
That was as good as it got for Rob Sherman’s side though, South Melbourne FC roaring back with two goals in five minutes to swing the contest in their favour. Both wingers – Arran Cocks and Max Mikkola – played a crucial part. Â
Cocks grabbed the equaliser after cutting inside off the left wing and picking out the bottom-right corner, before Mikkola gave Hellas the lead in the 27th minute and celebrated with a rugby dive near the corner flag.
The set-piece prowess which has served South Melbourne FC so well then came to the fore. Josh Rogerson could only nod the ball into the back of his own net in the 34th minute following a long throw from Mikkola.
Further damage came for the New Zealand side, when South Island United failed to clear a corner delivery in first half stoppage-time, Jordan Swibel reacted from close range to add South Melbourne’s fourth, and his eighth goal of the season.
The former Oceania Club of the Century continued to dictate play in the second half but lacked the same cutting edge they had shown in the opening period. Sinisa Cohadzic’s decision to withdraw Swibel and Cocks at half-time with an eye on their upcoming fixtures was perhaps a sign of South Melbourne putting the handbrake on.
Instead, South Island found a consolation late on, Oliver Fay coming off the bench to score his side’s second goal in the 80th minute after latching onto a long delivery into the box.
Despite a few nervy moments later on, including Ryan Feutz coming close from a direct free kick, South Melbourne hung on to claim their second consecutive Leaders Group win.
They’ll now be looking to make sure of top spot in the group when they face Bula FC at Eden Park on Tuesday, whilst South Island United will play their third North v South New Zealand derby of the season on the same day.
