Auckland FC beat South Island United in OFC Professional League opener

Liam Gillion of Auckland FC and David Yoo of South Island United fight for the ball. Photo / Photosport

Auckland FC have taken all three points in the first-ever North v South Kiwi derby in the OFC Pro League, following a clinical victory over South Island United.

Following the day’s earlier fixture ending all square between Vanuatu United FC and Bula FC, it was a chance for either side to take a very early lead at the top of the table.

In front of a noisy and expectant crowd at Eden Park in Auckland, it was arguably the south islanders who started brighter, with Ryan Feutz in particular looking dangerous with the ball at his feet – one run in particular ending with the forward on the ground, with a brief VAR check deeming nothing untoward.

Prior to that, Oskar Van Hattum had a decent chance to open the scoring, the former Wellington Phoenix forward finding time and space just inside the area, but firing over.

Auckland FC warmed into the contest as the half wore on and got their noses in front just after the half-hour mark.

Oscar Faulds had gone close with an effort tipped over the bar by Steven Van Dijk and when South Island United couldn’t clear the resulting corner, Faulds took advantage to finish from close-range.

Faulds should have had his and Auckland FC’s second not long after. An excellent break from Liam Gillion was followed by a pin-point cross from the winger, but Faulds mistimed the header and it skewed well wide.

Both sides struggled to build on their first half performances after the break, though Auckland FC did look more threatening.

Liam Gillion and then substitute Isa Prins had decent efforts but failed to double their side’s lead and put the result beyond doubt.

A South Island United leveller almost arrived with 20 minutes left on the clock. Christian Gray laying off a long throw to his defensive partner Ollie Van Rijssel, who slashed the ball narrowly wide from ten yards out.

A first-ever VAR on-field-review was the highlight of the closing stages. Jaylen Rodwell has blocked an effort with his arm, but referee Ben Aukwai correctly determined there was no intent and play resumed.

The result was finally put beyond doubt in the 83rd minute. Jonathan Robinson, on as a second-half substitute, raced into the South Island United box and his cut-back was finished by fellow replacement Bailey Ferguson.

A second VAR check followed not long after and this time Aukwai pointed to the spot following a brief consultation on a handball decision.

The resulting spot kick was taken by Liam Gillion and the winger capped an excellent performance with a goal, despite goalkeeper Van Dijk getting a solid hand to the ball.