Big wins for Auckland, Hekari

Ian Hogg celebrates with teammates. Photo: Franck Chevillard




Auckland City have picked up a vital away win against AS Manu Ura at Stade Paea in Tahiti today to go five points clear of Waitakere United in Group A of the 2010 O-League.

Meanwhile, Group B has been thrown wide open with Hekari United stunning Tafea FC 4-0 at PMRL stadium in Port Moresby. Solomon Islands import Alick Maemae scored a brace while Tuimasi Manuca and Joachim Waroi also chipped in for a comprehensive victory. Hekari now lead the Vanuatu club champions with a superior goal differential but Lautoka, just one point behind, could claim the advantage if they beat a winless Marist FC in Fiji tomorrow afternoon.

In the other match, goals to Ian Hogg and Daniel Koprivcic were enough for the defending champions Auckland City to secure maximum points and keep the pressure on cross-town rivals Waitakere who face New Caledonia’s AS Magenta in their fourth round match at Fred Taylor Park next weekend.

Paul Posa says it took time to break down a committed home side.

“The conditions are quite different over there and it took a while for the team to settle in. Plus they were disciplined and well organised so we had to work hard for our goals.”

After a goalless first half, Hogg put the visitors ahead in the 63rd minute with the defender having a rare one on one opportunity against the goalkeeper and making no mistake.

Koprivcic made it two in the 89th minute combining well with Jason Hayne before rounding the goalkeeper and slotting home from an acute angle.

With two rounds to go before the home and away final decides OFC’s representative at the FIFA Club World Cup, Auckland City are well placed to finish top of Group A but still have Waitakere to contend with on 27 March at Kiwitea Street.

Source: http://www.oceaniafootball.com/