Auckland FC beat Vanuatu United 3-1 to stay perfect in OFC Pro League

Auckland FC's Luka Vicelich celebrates his goal against Vanuatu United. Photo / Shane Wenzlick / Phototek

Auckland FC have made it two wins from two in their OFC Pro League campaign, but they were made to work hard by Vanuatu United FC at North Harbour Stadium.

The day’s earlier fixture between Bula FC and South Island United had succumbed to the heavy rain, but fortunately the clouds cleared in time for the evening match to go ahead.

Luke Casserly made nine changes to the side that won on Saturday and it took only eight minutes for one of those changes, Luke Vicelich, to open the scoring.

Vicelich rose highest to meet Ronan Wynne’s long throw, looping his header over goalkeeper Matt Acton. Raymond Diho perhaps will feel he should have done better in his attempts to clear off the line.

It was a little harsh on Vanuatu United, who had started well, and it would get worse for Lars Hopp’s side. Emiliano Tade – making his first start of the season – was clipped just inside the area by Michel Coulon, and following a VAR check, a penalty was awarded.

Tade dusted himself down and drilled his effort past Acton to double Auckland FC’s lead.

Vanuatu United responded admirably to these setbacks, however, and were it not for young goalkeeper Blake Callinan, they could easily have been level going into the break.

Owen Smith twice tested the ‘keeper with excellent efforts from the edge of the box, before Hassan Ramazani saw his well-driven shot tipped away by Callinan as Vanuatu United pressed to get back into the match.

They were finally rewarded for their efforts shortly after the break. Alex Saniel picking up the ball 25 yards out and letting fly – his shot took a wicked deflection off teammate Jordy Tasip, wrong-footing Callinan and finding the corner to halve the arrears.

Auckland FC appeared slightly unnerved by conceding and took a while to reassert themselves. Luke Casserly turned to his bench midway through the second period, bringing on Liam Gillion, who had been so impressive against South Island United.

It was fellow sub Matt Ellis, however, who would have the telling impact. The forward linking up well with Isa Prins, before driving a terrific effort low and past Matt Acton, into the far corner to make it 3-1 with 20 minutes remaining.

Luka Tioni came closest to a consolation for Vanuatu United when his low effort on the angle was saved well by Callinan in stoppage time.

It wasn’t to be, however, for Hopp and his side, though they will surely take confidence from an excellent performance.

Auckland FC, meanwhile, head into their final match of Round 1 later this week with maximum points.