Sth Island United held to draw by Solomon Kings
- editor59343
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Steven Van Dijk was the hero for South Island United, as his first-half penalty save secured a draw for the New Zealanders against Solomon Kings FC.
Jez Lofthouse's spot kick, palmed away well by Van Dijk, was the closest either side came to finding the net, as Solomon Kings retained their place in the top four.
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Ben Chan's side were on top for much of the ninety minutes and had a number of opportunities to make turn the pressure into goals, only to find Van Dijk in fine form.
Jaylen Rodwell was the man at fault for conceding the penalty in the first-half, guilty of pulling down Gordon Iro as a corner kick was swung in.
Lofthouse took on penalty duties, but his well-struck effort was saved excellently by Van Dijk, leaping to his right-hand side.
A second penalty was awarded shortly after, as Ollie van Rijssel was alleged to have brought down Fordney Junior in the box. Chilean referee Jose Cabero originally pointed to the spot but following a VAR consultation, reversed his decision.
Ryan Feutz worked tirelessly at the other end for South Island United but clear chances were hard to come by. the forward wasting his side's best opportunity, when firing straight at Phillip Mango when well place on the inside left of the box.
There was little respite for Rob Sherman's side after the break, with Solomon Kings continuing to be on the front foot.
They were again indebted to Van Dijk in goal, who produced a number of excellent saves, including from Atkin Kaua following good link-up play with Bobbie Leslie.
Sota Higashide had a wonderful chance to win the game late on, when he bounced on slack defending, pinching the ball on the edge of the area but dragging his effort narrowly wide.
David Yoo almost stole it in the final minutes with a rare foray forward. Driving at goal, the midfielder's low effort was well-hit but cracked the outside of the post.
South Island United did have the ball in the net as the the ninety minutes ticked over. Oskar Van Hattum heading in from a Oliver Fay cross but his effort was chalked off after a VAR check detected a foul just before Van Hattum nodded home.
Both sides now look to the weekend and their final chance to secure a victory in Round 2. Solomon Kings take on league leaders Auckland FC, whilst South Island United face hosts PNG Hekari FC.
Solomon Kings FC: 0
South Island United: 0
HT: 0-0
