Bula FC captain Roy Krishna equalised for Bula FC in the 91st minute to help with their comeback win. Photo credit: OFC Media via Phototek.
Source: RNZ Pacific
Fiji’s Bula FC recorded a come-from-behind 3-2 win over South Island United in their round four clash at the OFC Pro League in Honiara on Thursday.
In the process, they have also jumped to third spot on the pints table, heading into the fifth round to be hosted in Fiji in April.
The victory also saw them displace South Island United and the Solomon Kings FC.
The Kings were unlucky to have lost their 1-0 lead against South Melbourne FC in the second game on Thursday, settling for a 1-all draw in the end.
Both matches had fans on their toes, as the fight for top four placings intensified.
In the first game of the day, South Island United had led 2-0 at halftime.
Bula FC responded with three second-half goals, including the winner from Scott Wara deep into stoppage time, to claim victory in the end.
Oceania Football Confederation media said South Island United’s top goal-scorer this season, Ryan Feutz returned to the starting eleven, as Rob Sherman made three changes.
Bula FC also brought in Setareki Hughes, who scored a double in their win over Tahiti United at the weekend, to start against Sherman’s side.
Coach Stephane Auvray made the change, introducing Hughes early in the game.
Solomon Islands international Rovu Boyers was the mover again for South Island United.
He set David Yoo up for the first goal and then scored the second for his team.
But Bula FC’s Sterling Vasconcellos found Dunn with a cut-back off the right flank, and the latter was on hand to head home past Steven Van Dijk, to give the Fijian side hope of a comeback.
Kaile Auvray’s late strike struck the hand of a South Island United defender and won his side a penalty, giving captain Roy Krishna the chance to equalise.
Then when things seemed headed for a draw Scott Wara scored at the 11th minute mark in injury time.
That proved to be the winner in the end.
Late goal
South Melbourne scored late to hold Solomon Kings to a 1-1 draw in another exciting clash.
Charlie Leech scored the late equaliser after the Kings had led with a Javin Wae goal in first-half stoppage time.
The draw meant the Kings dropped to fourth place on the points table, behind Fiji’s Bula FC.
The teams will now head to Fiji for the fifth round of competition.
Check in with your local Pacific broadcasters for OFC Pro League coverage.