- 9 PTS
- 8 PLD
- 2 Won
- 3 Lost
- L
- W
- D
- L
- W
- 4 PTS
- 9 PLD
- 1 Won
- 7 Lost
- L
- L
- L
- W
- L
Tahiti United
PNG Hekari FC
Tahiti United picked up their second victory of the season after a narrow win against PNG Hekari FC, as the two sides played their rescheduled Round 1 fixture in Melbourne.
Heavy rain meant the match had been called off in Auckland, with the teams extending their time in Australia to finally meet one another.
With both sitting seventh and eighth in the table respectively, a win would be crucial in keeping their top four hopes alive and it was Tahiti United who seemed more intent on securing those three points, as they made a positive start.
Just over fifteen minutes were on the clock when Sam Garcia's side took a deserved lead. Matéo Degrumelle played a smart one-two with Terai Bremond before calmly finishing past Dave Tomare.
Captain Teaonui Tehau should have doubled the lead immediately afterwards but placed his effort over the bar when clean through on goal.
PNG Hekari were slowly making their way back into the contest and were guilty of passing up a wonderful chance, when Rex Naime broke clear down the right-hand side, squaring for the unmarked John Orobulu, but the winger could only mistime his effort and the ball squirmed away.
Photo Credit: OFC Media via Phototek
To their credit, PNG Hekari ended the half well, with Raymond Gunemba going close. The experienced forward drilling an effort that was excellently saved by Teave Teamotuaitau.
Sam Garcia responded to a low-key end to the first 45 minutes from his side by making three changes at the break and it paid immediate dividends.
Joseph Athale whipped in a brilliant cross from the right that evaded Tomare and substitute Manuarii Shan was on hand to nod in with his first touch of the match.
Not to be outdone however, Jerry Allen's side hit back within minutes. Joseph Joe picking the ball up 30 yards from goal, playing a clever one-two with Rex Naime and side-footing his effort expertly into the top corner to half the arrears.
Shan almost grabbed his second to put the match beyond doubt. It was Tehau again to the fore, finding space down the left and pulling a pass back for Shan to fire just wide of the near post.
Tehau himself had a chance heading into stoppage time when found by a slide rule through pass by Cedovan Taniel, but his shot was deflected wide.
The victory puts Tahiti United level with fourth-placed Vanuatu United as they now look ahead to Round 4.
Tahiti United: 2 (Matéo DEGRUMELLE 16', Manuarii SHAN 47')
PNG Hekari FC: 1 (Joseph JOE 53')
HT: 1-0